Spray dispenser

ABSTRACT

A spring biasing element for causing a temperature responsive shifting element mounted on a plunger to shift at a selected temperature, or at a selected time interval, so as to intermittently spray fluid from a dispenser attachable to a container containing a fluid, the dispenser being ringlessly attachable to the container adjacent the cover of the container valve and includes an actuator operative the fluid to be released from the container into the dispenser, and an intermittent dispensing assembly that provides an intermittent fluid output, the intermittent dispensing assembly including a temperature responsive shifting element, the temperature responsive shifting element being shiftable in response to temperature changes in the dispenser and being generally freely supported around a perimeter thereof in the dispenser.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/181,876, filed Oct. 10, 2002, entitled “SPRAY DISPENSER” ,the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of spraydispensers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Certain products such as insecticides and air fresheners arecommonly supplied in pressurized containers. The contents of thecontainer are usually dispensed to the atmosphere by pressing down on avalve at the top of the container, as seen for example in U.S. Pat. No.1,800,156. The contents of the container are consequently emittedthrough a channel in the valve.

[0004] In many cases it is desired that the contents of the container beautomatically dispensed periodically. Many automatic dispensers areknown in the art, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,009 of the presentinventor, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,009 discloses apparatus and method for automaticallyspraying fluid material in response to a signal from a sensor. Thesensor senses the concentration of the fluid material within gas filledsurroundings and generates signals responsive to the concentration ofthe fluid material.

[0005] A type of automatic dispenser includes dispensers with mechanicalmeans, such as an arm or cam, which periodically presses the valve ofthe container. Such dispensers are described, for example, in U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,018,056; 3,543,122; 3,739,944; 3,768,732; 4,184,612; and5,038,972. However, these dispensers cannot accurately control theoutput of the container, since the valve and the contact of thedispenser with the valve are not accurately controlled by the dispenser.Furthermore, these dispensers are generally not portable and are fit foruse only with containers of a specific size. The dispensers may becostly and require substantial electrical power and frequent reloadingof batteries. The valves are also susceptible to failure because ofvalve sticking, resulting in loss of the requisite snap action desiredfor spraying contents from a container or in complete discharge of thecontents of the container within a short period.

[0006] A further type of automatic dispenser employs a solenoid, whichis periodically energized in order to emit a burst of the contents ofthe container. Such dispensers are described, for example, in U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,187,949; 3,351,240; 4,415,797; and 6,216,925 and U.K. Pat. No.2,488,888. These dispensers are dependent on gravity and/or the fluidpressure in the container for successful operation. These dispensers arecomplex, costly, and require substantial electrical power.

[0007] An additional type of automatic dispensers are described, forexample, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,719,432; 3,477,613; 3,542,248, 3,589,562;3,658,209, 3,722,749; 3,788,550; 4,077,542; 4,469,255; 5,025,9625,364,028, 5,447,273, and 6,612,464. In this type of automaticdispenser, the pneumatic pressure of the container is used to operate atiming device causing the contents of the container to be periodicallydispensed. However, the ability to control the dispensation intervals iscomplicated and limited due to the pneumatic characteristic of thetiming device or the need for the user to periodically turn a flowcontrol valve. Complex accumulation chambers may add to themanufacturing cost of the dispensers. Spring-biased diaphragms employedin the pneumatic pressure operated automatic dispenser are susceptibleto failure due to clogging or leaks. The amount and timing of sprays ishard to control since repeated spray discharges reduce the pressure in atypical container over time, for example from 6 atmospheres to less than2 atmospheres. The pressure in the container may be lowered in coolerambient surroundings, contributing to unreliable and non-uniformspraying.

[0008] Another type of automatic dispenser is described in U.S. Pat. No.6,540,155 of the present inventor, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference. This type of automatic spray dispenserallows accurate control of the amount of discharged material, and allowsflexibility in setting the frequency of dispensation. This is preferablyaccomplished by means of a processor. The dispenser has an open state inwhich fluid is discharged from a can or container, and a closed state inwhich the fluid is not emitted. A motor is provided which changes thestate of the dispenser between the open and closed states. This ispreferably accomplished by means of a flexible lever which is coupled toa threaded shaft which is attached to the motor. The lever is normallyin a closed state. The motor rotates the shaft, thereby flexing thelever from the closed state to the open state and vice versa, dependingon the direction of rotation.

[0009] A further type of automatic dispenser utilizes a bimetallicspring connected to a valve to control dispensing the contents of apressurized container. In this dispenser, the bimetallic spring starts,for example, at room temperature, wherein the valve is open fordispensing the contents out of the container. As the contents of thecontainer flow outwards, they thermally contact the bimetallic spring,thereby cooling the spring. Due to its lower temperature, the springcontracts and closes the valve, thereby stopping dispensing the contentsfrom the container. Eventually the bimetallic spring is warmed by theenvironment back to a temperature sufficient for the spring to re-expandto its original position, thereby opening the valve and once againdispensing a portion of the contents.

[0010] One example of such a bimetallic mechanism includes U.S. Pat. No.4,361,013. U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,013 does not disclose a spray dispenser,but rather a box for cooling items stored therein. Coil or leaf typebimetallic springs are employed to axially adjust a needle valve inresponse to temperature changes of the pressurized container and springcaused by escaping vapor.

[0011] A Japanese inventor, Taisho Iketani, patented a number ofbimetallic spray devices. U.S. Pat. No. 3,360,165 of Iketani disclosesutilizing a screw adjustable bimetallic spring in the path of dispensedcontent for spray-dispensing content from a container. The bimetallicspring gradually extends until in overcoming the bias of a counterspring it can push a valve past a stopping spring. However, Iketaniquickly discovered that such springs are not suitable forspray-dispensing, because they lack the requisite snap action forspraying contents from a container.

[0012] Iketani improved the bimetallic spray dispenser in U.S. Pat. No.3,419,189, which utilizes a bimetallic disc, shaped like a Bellevillewasher, clamped around its periphery. However, while the disc doesprovide the requisite snap action for spraying the contents,nevertheless the bimetallic disc does not operate properly when clampedaround its periphery.

[0013] In his next patent, U.S. Pat. No. 3,596,800, Iketani describesthe abovementioned problem in col. 3, lines 35-43: “The conventionalmechanism for supporting a disc-shaped bimetal has been disadvantageousin that slight misalignment of the bimetal or small variation in itssize may result in an accidental reversing movement of the bimetaldepending upon the clamping forces exerted on its periphery andtherefore it is almost impossible to obtain a uniform finished product.Such a problem becomes more serious because the valve mechanism of thistype is extremely small.” Iketani proposed to solve the problem byclamping not around the entire periphery but rather at a number ofdiscrete points around the periphery. A heat insulating sponge isemployed to delay intervals between sprays and battery powered heatingis preferably added to ensure operation in cold districts.

[0014] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,685,693, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat.No. 3,596,800, Iketani utilized the same type of discrete clamping. U.S.Pat. No. 3,685,693 discloses that it is impossible to operate the devicewhen the temperature of the bimetallic disc of a heat responsive valvefails to rise above its preselected valve opening temperature. Thereforea manually control heat responsive means is added for spraying withoutthe bimetallic disc.

[0015] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,684,133 Iketani sandwiched the bimetallic discbetween portions of a spongy material inwards of the clamped periphery.The purpose of the spongy material is to absorb a volatile liquid, suchas methyl alcohol, mixed with the pressurized contents of the spraycontainer, so as to enhance cooling of the bimetallic disc and extendthe time period in which the disc is raised or lowered. The devicefurther provides an additional vent that could be enlarged so as toincrease the time interval between sprays or could be made smaller so asto shorten the time interval between sprays. However, these featuresfailed to provide reliable snapping action desired for clean and uniformspraying.

[0016] Thus, even with the discrete clamping of the bimetallic disc,these bimetallic spray dispensers have not had reliable performance andapparently have never had any commercial success.

[0017] The prior art dispensers did not provide uniform periodicity ofintermittent sprays of fluid without use of electric circuits orprocessors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention seeks to provide improved spray dispensers.

[0019] It is an object of the present invention to provide aninexpensive, readily available automatic dispenser that can be reliablyoperated without batteries to provide predetermined dosages of spray atpredetermined intervals at a variety of temperatures and settings.

[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide anautomatic spray dispenser with a simple and inexpensive constructionthat improves upon the prior art devices.

[0021] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide abimetallic disc, which is freely supported around its perimeter. Thusthe bimetallic disc does not have the disadvantage of being sensitive toslight misalignments or variations in size, and does not accidentallyreverse its movement. This solves the problem of the prior art found indevices like Iketani's, as described hereinabove.

[0022] It is still another object of the present invention, again incontradistinction to Iketani, to provide a generally rectangularbimetallic element that can either be freely supported, clamped allaround its perimeter or clamped only at its short ends. This solves theabovementioned problem of the prior art. Unlike the circular disc, therectangular bimetallic element is not sensitive to slight misalignmentsor variations in size, and does not accidentally reverse its movementunder the influence of all-around clamping.

[0023] It is a further object of the present invention to allow spray tobe automatically dispensed at a predetermined temperature by adjusting aknob.

[0024] It is a still further object of the present invention to employ atemperature dependent biasing force application functionality that willallow spray to be automatically dispensed at a predetermined selectedtemperature. The predetermined selected temperature is preferably belowa shift actuating temperature, of the selected bimetallic disc. Messysponges and unwanted leaks of fluid material can be avoided.

[0025] It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide asafety valve that prevents undesirable overspraying of the contents of aspray container.

[0026] It is a still further object of the present invention to providean automatic dispenser that does not require electrical power supply orbatteries. Furthermore, the dispenser may provide uniform periodicity ofintermittent sprays of fluid without use of electric circuits orprocessors.

[0027] It is another object of the present invention to provide adispenser configured to be easily attached and detached from a varietyof conventional spray containers of different sizes and configurationsand may be transferred from one container to another. Alternatively, asystem comprising a dispenser and a spray container may be provided. Thedispenser may be attractively constructed in small, unobtrusivedimensions for easy attachment at a cover of a container opening valveof a conventional aerosol container, with or without the use of rings.Alternatively, dispensers with relatively large peripheral diameters maybe attached at an upper or lower rim of a conventional aerosolcontainer.

[0028] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide adispenser, which automatically discharges spray without being dependenton the ambient temperature. Alternatively, a dispenser may allow ambienttemperature dependent discharge of spray.

[0029] The dispenser may be provided with a temperature dependentbiasing force application functionality including a temperature sensoroperative to provide uniform time intervals between spraysnotwithstanding temperature changes in ambient environments. Thedispenser may also be provided with automatic shut off devices to stopoperation of the dispenser when ambient temperatures outside thedispenser are outside a predetermined range of ambient temperatureswithin the dispenser.

[0030] It is still another object of the present invention to provide adispenser with a user selection knob so as to enable a user to select anoperational parameter of the dispenser, such as the time intervalbetween sprays and the spray initiation temperature.

[0031] It is a further object of the present invention to provide adispenser which provides reduction in the incidence of liquid dropletsin discharged spray.

[0032] It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide adispenser suitable for use in various environments, such as in adomestic environment, an institutional environment, an agriculturalenvironment and an industrial environment.

[0033] It is a still further object of the present invention to providea dispenser which provides generally uniform operation of the spraydispenser, such as uniform interval between sprays, spray duration andthe quantity of released spray. The dispenser's ability to control forperiodicity and uniform duration and dosage of released spray enablesthe dispenser to provide a chosen container with a selected lifetime ofuse measurable in a predetermined number of days, weeks or months.

[0034] The dispenser may be used to automatically spray materials thatshould be released in predetermined quantities at predetermined times.

[0035] It is another object of the present invention to provide adispenser comprised of a top and a bottom housing portion constructedand configured to be readily attached during manufacturing, such as by asnap-fit attachment or by ultrasonic welding. A bimetallic disc may beplaced in a recess between top and bottom housing portions, withoutbeing discretely clamped therein, at minimal manufacturing costs.

[0036] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide adispenser with a flow prevention element operative to be positioned by auser in a position which prevents fluid from reaching a spray releasevalve of the dispenser and thus prevents fluid from exiting a spraynozzle of the dispenser. The flow prevention element may also bepositioned to prevent fluid from reaching the spray release valve duringshipment and storage thereby preventing unwanted fluid discharge fromthe spray dispenser.

[0037] The dispenser may be inexpensively built and attached to adisposable container intended for single use.

[0038] There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention a dispenser for attachment to a containercontaining a fluid, including an actuator operative to allow the fluidto be released from the container into the dispenser, and anintermittent dispensing assembly that provides an intermittent fluidoutput, the intermittent dispensing assembly including a temperatureresponsive shifting element, the temperature responsive shifting elementbeing shiftable in response to temperature changes in the dispenser andbeing generally freely supported around a perimeter thereof in thedispenser.

[0039] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the shifting element includes a bimetallic element havingfirst and second operative orientations depending on the temperaturethereof. Preferably, the bimetallic element comprises a bimetallic disc.

[0040] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the intermittent dispensing assembly includes aplunger movable in response to shifting of the shifting element.Additionally, the plunger is loosely mounted onto the shifting element.Alternatively, the plunger is welded to the shifting element.Alternatively, the plunger is integrally formed with the shiftingelement.

[0041] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the plunger is engaged by a biasing spring element.Preferably, the biasing spring element includes a spiral spring.Alternatively, the biasing spring element includes a helical spring.Alternatively, the biasing spring element includes a leaf spring.Alternatively the biasing spring includes a folded over spring.

[0042] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the dispenser also includes a screw biased by a rotatablyadjustable knob. Preferably, the rotatably adjustable knob is operativeto select a time interval between sprays. Alternatively, the rotatablyadjustable knob is operative to select a spray initiation temperature.Additionally, the dispenser also includes a spray release valve.

[0043] In accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the plunger engages a ball of the spray release valve.Alternatively, the plunger includes a pin for engaging the spray releasevalve. Additionally, the dispenser also includes at least one spraynozzle.

[0044] In accordance with a still further preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the dispenser includes a plurality of radiallydistributed inward facing resilient prongs for resiliently engaging thecontainer. Preferably, the prongs are provided with legs for engagingthe container so as to prevent removal of the dispenser from thecontainer. Additionally, the prongs engage the container at a locationadjacent to a portion of a cover of a container opening valve of thecontainer. Additionally, the location is on an outwardly protrudingportion of the cover for engaging inwardly facing legs of the prongs.Preferably, the dispenser engages, the container in a ringlessengagement.

[0045] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the dispenser includes a fastening element resilientlyengaging the container. Preferably, the dispenser is formed with arecess on a bottom portion thereof. Preferably, the recess engages adischarge orifice element of a container opening valve of the container.Additionally, the dispenser also includes a mounting element.

[0046] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the dispenser also includes a temperature dependent biasingforce application functionality.

[0047] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the temperature dependent biasing force applicationfunctionality includes an ambient temperature sensor responsive tochanges in ambient temperature outside the dispenser so as toselectively bias the shifting element. Preferably, the ambienttemperature sensor includes a bimetallic coil element. Additionally, theambient temperature sensor does not communicate with the fluid.

[0048] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the dispenser also includes a rotatable cam fixedlymounted onto a shaft rotatable by the ambient temperature sensor.Preferably, a rotatable cam applies a biasing force to a biasing springelement. Additionally, the biasing force increases as ambienttemperature outside the dispenser is lowered and decreases as thetemperature rises.

[0049] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the biasing force is minimized when the temperature is below aminimum operation temperature. Additionally, the biasing force isminimized when the temperature is above a maximum operation temperature.Preferably, the temperature above the maximum operation temperature isbelow a shift actuating temperature of the shifting element.

[0050] In accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the rotatable cam includes a cam thickness such thatthe rotatable cam applies a suitable biasing force to the shiftingelement via the biasing spring element so as to dispense the fluidsubstantially within a uniform selected time interval between sprays.Preferably, the rotatable cam includes a cam thickness sufficientlysmall such that the rotatable cam provides a sufficiently low biasingforce to the shifting element so as to minimize shifting of the shiftingelement.

[0051] In accordance with a still further preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the shifting element is loosely mounted within thedispenser. Preferably, the shifting element is seated in an annularrecess in the dispenser. Additionally, the dispenser includes a volumesurrounding the shifting element and being formed with inclined walls ona bottom portion thereof.

[0052] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention at least part of the fluid passes around the shifting elementvia passageways formed in the dispenser. Preferably, a volume overlyingthe shifting element allows for enhanced dissipation of the fluid andthereby reduces incidence of liquid droplets in the fluid exiting thedispenser. Additionally, the dispenser defines an internal volume so asto relatively thermally isolate the intermittent dispensing assemblyfrom the ambient outside the dispenser.

[0053] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the fluid is dispensed as an aerosol. Preferably, thefluid is dispensed as a dissipated aerosol. Additionally, the fluidincludes a deodorant. Alternatively, the fluid includes an insecticide.Preferably, the dispenser also includes a flow prevention element.

[0054] There is thus provided in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention a fluid dispensing system includinga container containing a fluid, and a dispenser for receiving the fluidvia an opening in the container and including an intermittent dispensingassembly that provides an intermittent fluid output, the intermittentdispensing assembly including a temperature responsive shifting element,the temperature responsive shifting element being shiftable in responseto temperature changes in the dispenser and being generally freelysupported around a perimeter thereof in the dispenser.

[0055] There is thus provided in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention a dispenser for attachment to acontainer having a container opening valve and containing a fluid,including an actuator for keeping the container opening valve in asubstantially open position so as to allow the fluid to pass into thedispenser, and an intermittent dispensing valve that provides anintermittent fluid output, the intermittent dispensing valve including atemperature responsive valve control element which is responsive totemperature changes resulting from dispensed fluid, the temperatureresponsive valve control element being generally freely supported arounda perimeter thereof in the dispenser.

[0056] There is thus provided in accordance with still another preferredembodiment of the present invention a dispenser for resilient attachmentto a container containing a fluid for intermittently dispensing thefluid, including prongs for attachment to the container at a locationadjacent to a portion of a cover of a container opening valve of thecontainer. Preferably, the attachment is a ringless attachment.

[0057] There is thus provided in accordance with still another preferredembodiment of the present invention a method for dispensing a fluid froma container including attaching a dispenser to the container, thedispenser including an actuator so as to allow the fluid to be releasedinto the dispenser, and automatically intermittently dispensing thefluid from the dispenser using an intermittent dispensing assemblyincluding a temperature responsive shifting element, the temperatureresponsive shifting element being shiftable in response to temperaturechanges in the dispenser and being generally freely supported around aperimeter thereof in the dispenser.

[0058] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the shifting element has first and second operativeorientations depending on the temperature thereof. Preferably, theattaching the dispenser to the container includes engaging the containerwith a fastening element. Additionally, the attaching the dispenser tothe container includes resiliently engaging the container with aplurality of radially distributed inward facing resilient prongs.

[0059] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the intermittently dispensing includes dispensing thefluid via at least one spray nozzle. Preferably, the method fordispensing a fluid also includes selectively biasing the shiftingelement by an ambient temperature sensor. Additionally, theintermittently dispensing includes opening a spray release valve of thedispenser so as to dispense the fluid.

[0060] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the intermittently dispensing includes retaining aportion of the fluid, and subsequently releasing the portion of thefluid. Preferably, the intermittently dispensing includes passing atleast part of the fluid around the shifting element, via passagewaysformed in the dispenser. Additionally, the intermittently dispensingincludes producing enhanced dissipation in a relatively large volumeoverlying the shifting element and reducing incidence of liquid dropletsin the fluid exiting the at least one spray nozzle.

[0061] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the intermittently dispensing includes dispensing the fluidsubstantially within a uniform selected time interval between sprays.Preferably, the intermittently dispensing includes dispensing the fluidsubstantially at a selected spray initiation temperature. Additionally,the intermittently dispensing includes dispensing the fluid as anaerosol. Preferably, the intermittently dispensing includes dispensingthe fluid as a dissipated aerosol.

[0062] In accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the intermittently dispensing includes dispensing adeodorant. Preferably, the intermittently dispensing includes dispensingan insecticide. Additionally, the shifting element shifts to the firstoperative orientation in response to cooling of the shifting element bydispensed fluid.

[0063] In accordance with a still further preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the shifting element shifts to the second operativeorientation in response to warming of the shifting element by theambient outside the dispenser. Preferably, the method for dispensing afluid also includes positioning a flow prevention element of thedispenser to allow the fluid to be released into the dispenser.

[0064] There is thus provided in accordance with a further preferredembodiment of the present invention a method for dispensing a fluid froma container including providing a container with a container opening,attaching a dispenser to the container for receiving the fluid from thecontainer, and automatically intermittently dispensing the fluid fromthe dispenser using an intermittent dispensing assembly including atemperature responsive shifting element, the temperature responsiveshifting element being shiftable in response to temperature changes inthe dispenser and being generally freely supported around a perimeterthereof in the dispenser.

[0065] There is thus provided in accordance with a further preferredembodiment of the present invention biasing functionality for adispenser intermittently dispensing a fluid in response to temperaturechanges, including a plunger, a temperature responsive shifting elementbeing shiftable in response to temperature changes and mounted on theplunger, and a spring biasing element engaging the plunger so as tocause the shifting element to shift substantially at a selectedtemperature. Preferably, the shifting element includes a bimetallicelement having first and second operative orientations depending on thetemperature thereof. Additionally, the bimetallic element includes abimetallic disc.

[0066] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the plunger is loosely mounted onto the shifting element.Alternatively, the plunger is welded to the shifting element.Additionally or alternatively, the plunger is integrally formed with theshifting element.

[0067] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the biasing spring element includes a spiral spring.Alternatively, the biasing spring element includes a helical spring.Alternatively, the biasing spring element includes a leaf spring.Alternatively, the biasing spring includes a folded over spring.

[0068] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the biasing functionality also includes a screw biasedby a rotatably adjustable knob. Preferably, the biasing spring applies afixed force to the plunger. Alternatively, the biasing spring applies avariable force to the plunger.

[0069] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the rotatably adjustable knob is operative to select a timeinterval between sprays. Alternatively, the rotatably adjustable knob isoperative to select a spray initiation temperature.

[0070] In accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the biasing functionality also includes temperaturedependent biasing force application functionality. Preferably, thetemperature dependent biasing force application functionality includesan ambient temperature sensor responsive to changes in ambienttemperature outside the dispenser so as to selectively bias the shiftingelement. Additionally, the ambient temperature sensor includes abimetallic coil element. Preferably, the ambient temperature sensor doesnot communicate with the fluid.

[0071] In accordance with a still further preferred embodiment of thepresent invention biasing functionality also includes a rotatable camfixedly mounted onto a shaft rotatable by the ambient temperaturesensor. Preferably, a rotatable cam applies a biasing force to thebiasing spring element. Additionally, the biasing force increases asambient temperature outside the dispenser is lowered and decreases asthe temperature rises.

[0072] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the biasing force is minimized when the temperature is below aminimum operation temperature. Additionally, the biasing force isminimized when the temperature is above a maximum operation temperature.Preferably, the temperature above the maximum operation temperature isbelow a shift actuating temperature of the shifting element.

[0073] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the rotatable cam includes a cam thickness such thatthe rotatable cam applies a suitable biasing force to the shiftingelement via the biasing spring element so as to dispense the fluidsubstantially within a uniform selected time interval between sprays.Preferably, the rotatable cam includes a cam thickness sufficientlysmall such that the rotatable cam provides a sufficiently low biasingforce to the shifting element so as to minimize shifting of the shiftingelement. Additionally, the shifting element is loosely mounted withinthe dispenser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] The present invention will be more fully understood andappreciated from the following description taken in conjunction with thedrawings in which:

[0075]FIG. 1 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a spray dispenserconstructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention mounted on a conventional pressurized aerosolcontainer;

[0076]FIG. 2 is a simplified cut away pictorial illustration of thespray dispenser of FIG. 1, cut along lines II-I in FIG. 1;

[0077]FIGS. 3A & 3B are sectional illustrations of the spray dispenserof FIG. 1, taken along lines III-III in FIG. 1 in two operativeorientations;

[0078]FIGS. 4A & 4B are sectional illustrations of the spray dispenserof FIGS. 3A & 3B, taken along lines IVA-IVA and IVB-IVB respectively,FIG. 4A also including an insert illustrating an enlarged section takenalong lines A-A in FIG. 4A;

[0079]FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C & 5D are sectional illustrations of the spraydispenser of FIG. 1, taken along lines V-V in FIG. 1 in four operativeorientations;

[0080]FIG. 6 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a spray dispenserconstructed and operative in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention mounted on a conventionalpressurized aerosol container;

[0081]FIG. 7 is a simplified cut away pictorial illustration of thespray dispenser of FIG. 6, cut along lines VII-VII in FIG. 6;

[0082]FIGS. 8A & 8B are sectional illustrations of the spray dispenserof FIG. 6, taken along lines VIII-VIII in FIG. 6 in two operativeorientations;

[0083]FIGS. 9A & 9B are sectional illustrations of the spray dispenserof FIGS. 8A & 8B, taken along lines IXA-IXA and IXB-IXB respectively,FIG. 9A also including an insert illustrating an enlarged section takenalong lines A-A in FIG. 9A;

[0084]FIGS. 10A & 10B are each a simplified top view illustration of anembodiment of the spray dispenser of FIG. 6;

[0085]FIG. 11 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a spraydispenser constructed and operative in accordance with yet anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention mounted on a conventionalpressurized aerosol container;

[0086]FIG. 12 is a simplified cut away pictorial illustration of thespray dispenser of FIG. 11, cut along lines XII-XII in FIG. 11;

[0087]FIGS. 13A, 13B & 13C are sectional illustrations of the spraydispenser of FIG. 11, taken along lines XIII-XIII in FIG. 11 in threeoperative orientations;

[0088]FIGS. 14A & 14B are sectional illustrations of the spray dispenserof FIGS. 13B & 13C, taken along lines XIVA-XIVA and XIVB-XIVBrespectively, FIG. 14B also including an insert illustrating an enlargedsection taken along lines A-A in FIG. 14B;

[0089]FIGS. 15A & 15B are each a simplified top view illustration of anembodiment of the spray dispenser of FIG. 11;

[0090]FIG. 16 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a spraydispenser constructed and operative in accordance with still anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention mounted on a conventionalpressurized aerosol container;

[0091]FIG. 17 is a simplified cut away pictorial illustration of thespray dispenser of FIG. 16, cut along lines XVII-XVII in FIG. 16;

[0092]FIGS. 18A, 18B & 18C are sectional illustrations of the spraydispenser of FIG. 16, taken along lines XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 16 in threeoperative orientations;

[0093]FIGS. 19A & 19B are sectional illustrations of the spray dispenserof FIGS. 18B & 18C, taken along lines XIXA-XIXA and XIXB-XIXBrespectively, FIG. 19B also including an insert illustrating an enlargedsection taken along lines A-A in FIG. 19B;

[0094]FIG. 20 is a simplified top view illustration of the spraydispenser of FIG. 16;

[0095]FIG. 21 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a spraydispenser constructed and operative in accordance with a furtherpreferred embodiment of the present invention mounted on a conventionalpressurized aerosol container;

[0096]FIG. 22 is a simplified cut away pictorial illustration of thespray dispenser of FIG. 21, cut along lines XXII-XXII in FIG. 21;

[0097]FIGS. 23A & 23B are sectional illustrations of the spray dispenserof FIG. 21, taken along lines XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 21 in two operativeorientations;

[0098]FIGS. 24A & 24B are sectional illustrations of the spray dispenserof FIGS. 23A & 23B, taken along lines XXIVA-XXIVA and XXIVB-XXIVBrespectively, FIG. 24A also including an insert illustrating an enlargedsection taken along lines A-A in FIG. 24A;

[0099]FIGS. 25A & 25B are each a simplified top view illustration of anembodiment of the spray dispenser of FIG. 21;

[0100]FIG. 26 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a spraydispenser constructed and operative in accordance with a yet furtherpreferred embodiment of the present invention mounted on a conventionalpressurized aerosol container;

[0101]FIG. 27 is a simplified cut away pictorial illustration of thespray dispenser of FIG. 26, cut along lines XXVII-XXVII in FIG. 26;

[0102]FIGS. 28A & 28B are sectional illustrations of the spray dispenserof FIG. 26, taken along lines XXVIII-XXVIII in FIG. 26 in two operativeorientations;

[0103]FIGS. 29A & 29B are sectional illustrations of the spray dispenserof FIGS. 28A & 28B, taken along lines XXIXA-XXIXA and XXIXB-XXIXBrespectively,

[0104]FIG. 29A also including an insert illustrating an enlarged sectiontaken along lines A-A in FIG. 29A;

[0105]FIGS. 30A & 30B are each a simplified top view illustration of anembodiment of the spray dispenser of FIG. 26;

[0106]FIG. 31 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a spraydispenser constructed and operative in accordance with a still furtherpreferred embodiment of the present invention mounted on a conventionalpressurized aerosol container;

[0107]FIG. 32 is a simplified cut away pictorial illustration of thespray dispenser of FIG. 31, cut along lines XXXII-XXXII in FIG. 21;

[0108]FIGS. 33A & 33B are sectional illustrations of the spray dispenserof FIG. 31, taken along lines XXXIII-XXXIII in FIG. 31 in two operativeorientations;

[0109]FIGS. 34A & 34B are sectional illustrations of the spray dispenserof FIGS. 33A & 33B, taken along lines XXXIVA-XXXIVA and XXXIVB-XXXIVBrespectively, FIG. 34A also including an insert illustrating an enlargedsection taken along lines A-A in FIG. 34A;

[0110]FIG. 35 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a spraydispenser constructed and operative in accordance with an additionalpreferred embodiment of the present invention mounted on a conventionalpressurized aerosol container;

[0111]FIG. 36 is a simplified cut away pictorial illustration of thespray dispenser of FIG. 35, cut along lines XXXVI-XXXVI in FIG. 35;

[0112]FIGS. 37A, 37B & 37C are sectional illustrations of the spraydispenser of FIG. 35, taken along lines XXXVII-XXXVII in FIG. 35 inthree operative orientations;

[0113]FIGS. 38A & 38B are sectional illustrations of the spray dispenserof FIGS. 37B & 37C, taken along lines XXXVIIIA-XXXVIIIA andXXXVIIIB-XXXVIIIB respectively, FIG. 38B also including an insertillustrating an enlarged section taken along lines A-A in FIG. 38B;

[0114]FIGS. 39A & 39B are each a simplified top view illustration of anembodiment of the spray dispenser of FIG. 35;

[0115]FIGS. 40A and 40B are simplified pictorial illustrations of aspray valve constructed and operative in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention, in respective closed and openconfigurations, wherein a fluid flows against a lower surface of adeformable element and exits as a fluid spray from a side outlet;

[0116]FIGS. 41A and 41B are simplified pictorial illustrations of aspray valve constructed and operative in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention, in respective closed andopen configurations, wherein the fluid flows against an upper surface ofthe deformable element and exits as a fluid spray from a side outlet;

[0117]FIGS. 42A and 42B are simplified pictorial illustrations of aspray valve constructed and operative in accordance with yet anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention, in respective closed andopen configurations, wherein the fluid flows against an upper surface ofthe deformable element and exits as a fluid spray from an upper outlet;

[0118]FIGS. 43A and 43B are simplified pictorial illustrations of aspray valve constructed and operative in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention, in respective closed andopen configurations, wherein the fluid flows against both lower andupper surfaces of the deformable element and exits as a fluid spray froma side outlet;

[0119]FIG. 44 is a simplified sectional illustration of a safety sprayvalve constructed and operative in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

[0120]FIGS. 45A and 45B are simplified sectional and top-viewillustrations, respectively, of a spray valve constructed and operativein accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, which employs a generally rectangular deformable elementclamped around its perimeter;

[0121]FIGS. 45C and 45D are simplified sectional and top-viewillustrations, respectively, of a spray valve constructed and operativein accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, which employs a generally rectangular deformable elementclamped at its short ends;

[0122]FIGS. 45E and 45F are simplified sectional illustrations of thespray valve of FIGS. 45C and 45D, respectively during and after thedeformable element reversing its position;

[0123]FIGS. 46A, 46B and 46C are simplified pictorial illustrations of aspray valve constructed and operative in accordance with still anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention, in respective full,partially full and nearly empty configurations, wherein contents of aspray container can be sprayed without shaking the container; and

[0124]FIG. 46D is a simplified illustration of the spray valve of FIGS.46A-46C, with an upper aperture formed in a feed tube, in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0125] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a spray dispenser 100 constructed and operative inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention mountedon a container such as a conventional pressurized aerosol container. Asseen in FIG. 1, the spray dispenser 100 comprises a housing 101,preferably including a bottom housing portion 102 and a top housingportion 103. Bottom housing portion 102 is preferably configured todefine a plurality of radially distributed inward facing resilientprongs 104, which resiliently engage a cover 105 of a container openingvalve 106 of a conventional pressurized aerosol container 108.

[0126] Prongs 104 are preferably formed of a resilient material such asa resilient plastic so as to allow spray dispenser 100 to resilientlyengage container 108 without use of any other means.

[0127] It is appreciated that spray dispenser 100 may engageconventional pressurized aerosol container 108 on a top portion ofconventional pressurized aerosol container 108, as described hereinbelowwith reference to FIGS. 21 and 26.

[0128] It is noted that pressurized aerosol container 108 may containany of a large variety of fluids including, for example, air, oxygen,fuels, water, oils, sterilizers, cleaning materials, insecticides anddeodorants.

[0129] The housing 101 is provided with an ambient temperature sensor110 and with a spray nozzle 112 of any suitable configuration. Theambient temperature sensor 110 may be mounted within an aperturedhousing 114. The ambient temperature sensor 110, preferably thermallyisolated from the remainder of the interior of the housing 101, may beon top housing portion 103, as seen in FIG. 1, or, alternatively, may beon bottom housing portion 102, or may be in housing 101 and be exposedto the ambient temperatures via one or more ports. Temperature sensor110 is preferably placed such that it does not communicate with fluidexiting the spray dispenser 100 via spray nozzle 112, nor does itcommunicate with fluid passing through a spray release valve, describedhereinbelow in reference to FIG. 2.

[0130] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of principal operative elements of the spray dispenser 100of FIG. 1. An intermittent dispensing valve comprising a temperatureresponsive valve opening control element, in the form of a bimetallicdisc 120 of any suitable configuration, is operative to intermittentlyactuate spraying of the contents of the pressurized aerosol container108.

[0131] Bimetallic disc 120 is constructed of a bimetallic material,i.e., two dissimilar metals welded or otherwise joined together, the twometals having different temperature coefficients of expansion. Due tothe different thermal properties of the two metals, bimetallic disc 120is in a lowered orientation, in the sense shown in FIG. 3A, when in apredetermined lowered orientation shift actuating temperature andreversibly shifts to a raised orientation in the sense shown in FIG. 3B,upon reaching a predetermined raised orientation shift actuatingtemperature.

[0132] It is appreciated that bimetallic disc 120 may be positionedwithin spray dispenser 100 in any suitable position, such as theposition shown in FIGS. 1-4B. Alternatively, the bimetallic disc may bepositioned to shift laterally or may be positioned at any suitable anglewithin spray dispenser 100.

[0133] It is noted that a bimetallic disc with a relatively low loweredorientation actuating temperature, will have a longer cooling durationand hence a longer spray duration and will release a greater quantity ofspray than a bimetallic disc with a relatively high lowered orientationshift actuating temperature. It is noted that in embodiments which thefluid is discharged by shifting the bimetallic disc to a raised sprayingorientation, a bimetallic disc with a relatively high raised orientationactuating temperature, will have a longer cooling duration and hence alonger spray duration and will release a greater quantity of spray thana bimetallic disc with a relatively low raised orientation shiftactuating temperature.

[0134] Additional features of the spray dispenser 100 influence thespray duration and quantity of released spray, as described hereinbelowwith reference to FIGS. 40A and 40B.

[0135] As seen in FIG. 2, the bimetallic disc 120 is mounted within anannular recess 121, which is preferably defined in the spray dispenser100. The recess 121 is preferably formed with a circumference that isslightly larger than the circumference of the bimetallic disc 120 andpreferably has a height that is slightly larger than the height of thebimetallic disc 120. This is to prevent a clamping force from beingapplied to the periphery of the bimetallic disc 120 and thereby allowthe bimetallic disc 120 to readily assume its operative orientation, aswill be described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0136] Intermitted actuation of spraying of the contents of thepressurized aerosol container 108 is preferably achieved by a plunger122, which is mounted onto bimetallic disc 120. The plunger 122 ispreferably seated within a slotted ring 123, which overlies an aperture124 formed in bimetallic disc 120. As seen in FIG. 2, the aperture 124is preferably formed with a circumference that is slightly larger thanthe circumference of the plunger 122 so as to prevent a clamping forcefrom being applied to the bimetallic disc 120 by the plunger 122 andthereby allow the bimetallic disc 120 to assume its operativeorientation, as will be described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 3Aand 3B. Alternatively, plunger 122 may be integrally formed with orwelded to bimetallic disc 120.

[0137] A lower portion 125 of plunger 122 preferably engages a ball 126of a spray release valve 128 of dispenser 100. Plunger 122 also includesan upper portion 130, which is engaged by a biasing spring element 132.Biasing spring element 132 is in turn biased to a variable degree by abiasing force applied by a rotatable cam 134, which is fixedly mountedonto a shaft 136, which is rotatably mounted in top housing portion 103.Selective biasing of bimetallic disc 120 takes place along an axis 138.It is appreciated that although ball 126 is used in spray release valve128 any suitable valve control element may be used, such as stopper 1106of FIG. 44.

[0138] Rotation of the shaft 136, and thus of the cam 134, is responsiveto the ambient temperature within apertured housing 114. The temperaturesensor 110, here preferably comprised of a bimetallic coil element 140,is mounted at one end thereof to an extreme end 141 of the aperturedhousing 114 and is fixed at an opposite end thereof to shaft 136.Changes in the ambient temperature cause the bimetallic coil element 140to rotate about an axis 142, perpendicular to axis 138, and thus causerotation of shaft 136 about axis 142, thereby producing correspondingrotation of cam 134, which is in contact with biasing spring element132, and thus providing ambient temperature dependent biasing of thebimetallic disc 120. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 110 maycomprise any other suitable element, such as a spiral spring, a helicalspring or a leaf spring instead of bimetallic coil element 140.

[0139] This ambient temperature dependent biasing provides ambienttemperature independent operation of the spray dispenser 100 so as toprovide uniform time interval between sprays notwithstanding changes inthe ambient temperature outside the spray dispenser 100. In accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cam 134 isconfigured so that outside of a predetermined range of ambienttemperatures, spraying of the contents of the pressurized aerosolcontainer 108 does not take place.

[0140] It is appreciated that the bimetallic coil element 140 may beselectively positioned by a user in a position which will provideoperation of the spray dispenser 100 generally in accordance with a userselection, such as within a user selected time interval between sprays.It is appreciated that a knob (not shown) may be added to allow the userto turn the bimetallic coil element 140 to a position which will provideoperation of the spray dispenser 100 generally in accordance with theuser selection.

[0141] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A & 3B, which are sectionalillustrations of the spray dispenser 100 of FIG. 1, taken along linesIII-III in FIG. 1 in respective spraying and non-spraying operativeorientations and to FIGS. 4A and 4B, which are sectional illustrationsof the spray dispenser 100 of FIGS. 3A & 3B, taken along lines IVA-IVAand IVB-IVB respectively, wherein FIG. 4A also includes an insert whichshows an enlarged section taken along lines A-A in FIG. 4A. When thespray dispenser 100 of FIGS. 1-3B is initially mounted onto thepressurized aerosol container 108, a discharge orifice element 150 ofthe container opening valve 106 of the pressurized aerosol container 108is engaged in a recess 152 at the bottom of bottom housing portion 102.A top surface 154 of the discharge orifice element 150 is sealinglyengaged by an actuator, which is operative to allow fluid to be releasedfrom the interior of the pressurized aerosol container 108 into thespray dispenser 100, via discharge orifice element 150. The actuatorpushes top surface 154 towards container opening valve 106, therebydepressing discharge orifice element 150 and thus the container openingvalve 106 is maintained in a substantially open position.

[0142] It is appreciated that the actuator may comprise plunger 122 or apin operative to form an aperture in the conventional pressurizedaerosol container 108 and thereby allowing fluid flow from conventionalpressurized aerosol container 108 into spray dispenser 100.

[0143] It is noted that when the ambient temperature outside the spraydispenser 100 remains within the predetermined range of ambienttemperatures and the temperature inside the spray dispenser 100 is abovea predetermined shift actuating temperature, the bimetallic disc 120 ofthe spray dispenser 100 is located in a lowered spraying orientation, asshown in FIG. 3A. The aforesaid predetermined shift actuatingtemperature inside spray dispenser 100 corresponds to a predeterminedlowered orientation shift actuating temperature of the bimetallic disc120. In this lowered spraying orientation the lower portion 125 ofplunger 122, which extends below bimetallic disc 120, preferably engagesball 126 of spray release valve 128, forcing it away from its valve seat157 and thus opening spray release valve 128. Accordingly, release ofpressurized fluid, via discharge orifice element 150, produces a flow offluid past ball 126 and around bottom portion 125 of plunger 122.

[0144] Part of the fluid enters a volume 158 underlying bimetallic disc120 and exits through spray nozzle 112. It is appreciated that sprayrelease valve 128 may be obviated and plunger 122 may directly engagedischarge orifice element 150 so as to allow pressurized fluid to flowfrom container opening valve 106 into the spray dispenser 100.

[0145] Volume 158 is defined by inclined walls 159 on a bottom portionthereof so as to retain remaining fluid which did not exit spray nozzle112 for release during a subsequent discharge of fluid via spray nozzle112 to the ambient.

[0146] As seen particularly clearly in the insert in FIG. 4A, part ofthe fluid passes around bimetallic disc 120, via passageways 160 formedin housing 101, and expands in a volume 162 lying above bimetallic disc120, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, permitting vaporization of the fluidwithin volumes 158 and 162 and hence evaporation of the fluid thereinprior to exit of the fluid via spray nozzle 112. Evaporation of thefluid released from pressurized aerosol container 108 (FIGS. 1-3B) bothabove and below the bimetallic disc 120 provides cooling of both top andbottom surfaces of bimetallic disc 120 to the raised orientation shiftactuating temperature, causing the bimetallic disc 120 to shift itsorientation from a lowered spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 3A, toa raised non-spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 3B. In thisnon-spraying orientation the lower portion 125 of the plunger 122 doesnot dislodge the ball 126 from its valve seat 157 in the spray releasevalve 128, thus preventing outflow of fluid therepast. The fluidpressure of the aerosol in pressurized aerosol container 108 maintainsthe ball 126 in seated, sealing engagement with its valve seat 157, suchthat spray release valve 128 remains closed.

[0147] It is noted that when plunger 122 does not dislodge the ball 126from its valve seat 157, the ball 126 provides safety protection if anymalfunction occurs. The fluid pressure of the aerosol in pressurizedaerosol container 108 forces the ball 126 to be in sealing engagementwith its valve seat 157, such that spray release valve 128 remainsclosed, thereby preventing further spraying of the contents of thepressurized aerosol container 108. Ball 126 can prevent leaking oroverspraying due to a variety of malfunctions. Malfunctions can possiblyoccur, for example, due to knocks or blows to the pressurized aerosolcontainer 108, dropping the container 108, a gas leak, or the fluidinside the container 108 being spent.

[0148] Following termination of fluid flow from pressurized aerosolcontainer 108 past bimetallic disc 120, the ambient temperature in thespray dispenser 100 gradually rises above the aforesaid predeterminedshift actuating temperature, and the bimetallic disc 120 is graduallywarmed, until, upon passage of a selected time interval between spraysto the lowered orientation shift actuating temperature, the bimetallicdisc 120 once again assumes the lowered spraying orientation shown inFIGS. 3A and 4A.

[0149] It is appreciated that the selected time interval between spraysis maintained generally uniform irrespective of ambient temperaturevariations outside the spray dispenser 100 within the range of operationof the spray dispenser 100, by virtue of operation of a temperaturedependent biasing force application functionality described hereinbelowwith reference to FIGS. 5A-5D. More specifically, the operation of thebimetallic disc 120 between its lowered spraying orientation, as shownin FIG. 3A, and its raised non-spraying orientation, as shown in FIG.3B, is naturally, in the absence of the application of external biasingforces, dependent on the ambient temperature outside the spray dispenser100, which determines the rate at which the temperature of thebimetallic disc 120 changes. In order to reduce the dependency of theoperation of the bimetallic disc 120 on the ambient temperature outsidethe spray dispenser 100, the temperature dependent biasing forceapplication functionality described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS.5A-5D is provided so as to apply a variable biasing force to the plunger122 urging the bimetallic disc 120 to assume its lowered sprayingorientation, which assumption would, in the absence of the applicationof the biasing force, have been delayed.

[0150] This biasing force increases in inverse proportion to a decreasein ambient temperature outside the spray dispenser 100, within a rangeof temperatures of the spray dispenser 100. Thus, when the ambienttemperature outside the spray dispenser 100 decreases in a way whichwould otherwise slow the warming of the bimetallic disc 120 andcorrespondingly delay its assumption of the lowered spraying orientationof FIG. 3A the temperature dependent biasing force applicationfunctionality provides a correspondingly increased biasing force, to thebimetallic disc 120, thus eliminating the delay that would otherwisehave been caused by the slowed warming, as described hereinbelow withreference to FIGS. 5A-5C.

[0151] It is noted that a relatively large volume 162 is shown in FIGS.3A and 3B. This relatively large volume 162 allows for relatively longresidence of the fluid within the spray dispenser 100, producingenhanced vaporization of the fluid thereby reducing the incidence ofliquid droplets and resulting in a dissipated aerosol spray exitingspray nozzle 112. Should a smaller volume be provided, as shown in FIGS.16-20, a relatively greater incidence of liquid droplets in the aerosolspray can be expected to occur.

[0152] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C & 5D, which aresectional illustrations of the spray dispenser 100 of FIG. 1, takenalong lines V-V in FIG. 1 in four non-spraying operative orientations.FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate the temperature dependent biasing forceapplication functionality providing automatic adjustment of the spraydispenser 100 in response to ambient temperature outside the spraydispenser 100, to preferably provide operation of the spray dispenser100 with reduced dependence on the ambient temperature outside the spraydispenser 100. This ambient temperature independent operation preferablyprovides uniform operation of the spray dispenser 100, such as uniformintervals between sprays notwithstanding changes in the ambienttemperate outside the spray dispenser 100. As seen in FIG. 5A, the cam134 is at a position corresponding to a temperature at the highest rangeof the predetermined range of ambient temperatures. Here a relativelysmall cam thickness is provided between axis 142 and a cam contactlocation 170 on biasing spring element 132, applying a low biasing forcealong axis 138 to bimetallic disc 120, via plunger 122.

[0153] It is noted that biasing spring element 132 is preferably afolded over leaf spring element, having a portion 172 seated on a topsurface of plunger 122. Preferably, portion 172 of spring element 132 isformed with an aperture 174 which engages a protrusion 176 at the top ofplunger 122. A bend 178 of biasing spring element 132 is seated in arecess 180 defined in the interior of top housing portion 103 and an end182 of spring element 132 engages an interior wall 184 of top housingportion 103. Both bend 178 and end 182 are restricted in their lateralmotion, while end 182 is relatively unrestricted in its motion parallelto axis 138. Cam contact location 170 preferably is defined by aprotrusion 186 formed in spring element 132 between the bend 178 and theend 182.

[0154] Alternatively, the spring element 132 may comprise any suitablespring element, such as a spiral spring or a helical spring.

[0155] It is appreciated that in order that ambient temperatureindependent operation of the spraying device may occur, as describedhereinabove with reference to FIGS. 3A-5B, in uniformity of intervalbetween sprays, the higher the ambient temperature, the smaller must bethe biasing force on the bimetallic disc 120.

[0156] A typical ambient temperature range of operation for the sprayingdevice is between 20 and 30 degrees centigrade. In such an example, FIG.5A represents operation at approximately 30 degrees centigrade.

[0157] Accordingly, when the ambient temperature outside the spraydispenser 100 decreases, as seen in FIG. 5B, for example to 25 degreescentigrade, the cam 134 is at a position corresponding to a temperatureat the middle range of the predetermined range of ambient temperaturesoutside the spray dispenser 100. Here an intermediate cam thickness isprovided between axis 142 and cam contact location 170 on biasing springelement 132, applying an intermediate biasing force along axis 138 tobimetallic disc 120, via plunger 122.

[0158] Similarly, when the ambient temperature outside the spraydispenser 100 decreases further, as seen in FIG. 5C, for example to 20degrees centigrade, the cam 134 is at a position corresponding to atemperature at the lower range of the predetermined range of ambienttemperatures outside the spray dispenser 100. Here a maximum thicknessis provided between axis 142 and cam contact location 170 on biasingspring element 132, applying a maximum biasing force along axis 138 tobimetallic disc 120, via plunger 122.

[0159] Reference is now made to FIG. 5D, which illustrates a situationwhere the ambient temperature outside the spray dispenser 100 is outsidethe range of operation of the spray dispenser 100, being either greaterthan the maximum operation temperature or less than the minimumoperation temperature. Here, the cam 134 is at a position where the camthickness between axis 142 and cam contact location 170 on biasingspring element 132 is sufficiently small such that it provides either noforce or a sufficiently low biasing force to the bimetallic disc 120,such that the bimetallic disc 120 is retained in place but does notshift to a spray orientation.

[0160] Preferably, a bimetallic disc with a shift actuating temperaturerelatively higher than the maximum operation temperature of the range ofoperation of the spray dispenser 100 is employed so as to eliminate orminimize shifting of the bimetallic disc when the ambient temperatureoutside the spray dispenser 100 is greater than the maximum operationtemperature.

[0161] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a spray dispenser 200 constructed and operative inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present inventionand mounted on a conventional pressurized aerosol container. As seen inFIG. 6, the spray dispenser 200 comprises a housing 201, preferablyincluding a bottom housing portion 202 and a top housing portion 203.Bottom housing portion 202 is preferably configured to define aplurality of radially distributed inward facing resilient prongs 204,which resiliently engage a cover 205 of a container opening valve 206 ofa conventional pressurized aerosol container 208.

[0162] It is noted that pressurized aerosol container 208 may containany of a large variety of fluids including, for example, air, oxygen,fuels, water, oils, sterilizers, cleaning materials, insecticides anddeodorants.

[0163] Mounted onto top housing portion 203 is a spray nozzle 212 of anysuitable configuration. It is appreciated that a plurality of spraynozzles may be provided.

[0164] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of principal operative elements of the spray dispenser 200of FIG. 6. An intermittent dispensing assembly comprising a temperatureresponsive shifting element in the form of a bimetallic disc 220 of anysuitable configuration is operative to intermittently actuate sprayingof the contents of the pressurized aerosol container 208. This ispreferably achieved by a plunger 222, which is loosely mounted ontobimetallic disc 220 and is preferably seated within a slotted ring 223.Alternatively, plunger 222 may be integrally formed with or welded tobimetallic disc 220.

[0165] It is noted that the bimetallic disc 220 is preferably looselymounted within the spray dispenser 200 so as to allow the bimetallicdisc 220 to assume its appropriate operational orientation correspondingto temperature changes within the spray dispenser 200, as will bedescribed hereinbelow.

[0166] A lower portion 224 of plunger 222 preferably engages a ball 226of a spray release valve 228. Plunger 222 also includes an upper portion230, which is engaged by a biasing spring element 232. Biasing springelement 232 is in turn biased by a screw 234 extending below an upperportion 236 of top housing portion 203 and is threadably mounted withintop housing portion 203. Selective biasing of bimetallic disc 220 takesplace along an axis 238.

[0167] It is noted that biasing spring element 232 is preferably afolded over leaf spring element, having a first portion 252 seated on atop surface of plunger 222. Preferably, first portion 252 of springelement 232 is formed with an aperture 254 which engages a protrusion256 at the top of plunger 222 while a second portion 258 of springelement 232 is formed with an aperture 260 which engages a protrusion262 at the bottom of screw 234.

[0168] Upper portion 236 of top housing portion 203 is formed with arotatably adjustable knob 264. User rotation of rotatably adjustableknob 264, and thus of the screw 234 causes a fixed force to be appliedto the biasing spring element 232 thus enabling a user to select a userdefined time interval between sprays, or, alternatively, to select auser defined spray initiation temperature. The force applied to thebiasing spring element 232 is predetermined to provide operation of thespray dispenser 200 corresponding to the user selection. The biasingspring element 232 applies a fixed force along axis 238 to bimetallicdisc 220, via plunger 222, thus providing for the spray dispenser 200 togenerally operate within the selected time interval between sprays, asshown in FIG. 10A, or, alternatively, for the spray dispenser 200 todispense the fluid generally at the spray initiation temperature, asshown in FIG. 10B.

[0169] As seen in FIG. 7, the rotation of the knob 264 is limited by alimiting pin 266 seated within a circular slot 268 formed in upperportion 236. The limiting pin 266 limits user rotation of the knob 264and thus of the screw 234 so as to prevents the biasing spring element232 from applying a force to the bimetallic disc 220, which will causethe bimetallic disc 220 to shift outside the range of operation of thespray dispenser 200.

[0170] Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A & 8B, which are sectionalillustrations of the spray dispenser 200 of FIG. 6, taken along linesVIII-VIII in FIG. 6 in respective spraying and non-spraying operativeorientations and to FIGS. 9A and 9B, which are sectional illustrationsof the spray dispenser 200 of FIGS. 8A & 8B, taken along lines IXA-IXAand IXB-IXB respectively, wherein FIG. 9A also includes an insert whichshows an enlarged section taken along lines A-A in FIG. 9A. When thespray dispenser 200 of FIGS. 6-8B is initially mounted onto thepressurized aerosol container 208, a discharge orifice element 270 ofthe container opening valve 206 of the pressurized aerosol container 208is engaged in a recess 272 formed at the bottom of bottom housingportion 202. A top surface 274 of the discharge orifice element 270 issealingly engaged by an actuator operative to allow fluid to be releasedfrom the interior of the pressurized aerosol container 208 into thespray dispenser 200, via discharge orifice element 270. The actuator,preferably defined by a shoulder 276 of recess 272, pushes top surface274 towards container opening valve 206, thereby depressing dischargeorifice element 270 and thus the container opening valve 206 ismaintained in a substantially open position.

[0171] It is noted that when the ambient temperatures are above apredetermined shift actuating temperature the bimetallic disc 220 of thespray dispenser 200 is located in a lowered spraying orientation, asseen in FIG. 8A. In this lowered spraying orientation the lower portion224 of plunger 222, which extends below bimetallic disc 220, preferablyengages ball 226 of spray release valve 228, forcing it away from itsvalve seat 277 and thus opening spray release valve 228. Accordingly,release of pressurized fluid, via discharge orifice element 270,produces a flow of fluid past ball 226 and around bottom portion 224 ofplunger 222. Part of the fluid enters a volume 278 surroundingbimetallic disc 220 and exits through spray nozzle 212. It isappreciated that spray release valve 228 may be obviated and plunger 222may directly engage discharge orifice element 270 so as to allowpressurized fluid flow from container opening valve 206 into the spraydispenser 200.

[0172] Volume 278 is defined by inclined walls 259 on a bottom portionthereof so as to retain remaining fluid which did not exit spray nozzle212 for release during a subsequent discharge of fluid via spray nozzle212 to the ambient.

[0173] As seen particularly clearly in the insert in FIG. 9A, part ofthe fluid passes around bimetallic disc 220, via passageways 280 formedin housing 201, and expands in an upper portion 282 of volume 278 lyingabove bimetallic disc 220, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, permittingvaporization of the fluid within volume 278 and hence evaporation of thefluid therein prior to exit of the fluid via spray nozzle 212.Evaporation of the fluid released from pressurized aerosol container 208(FIGS. 6-8B) both above and below the bimetallic disc 220 providescooling of both top and bottom surfaces of bimetallic disc 220 to araised orientation shift actuating temperature, causing it to shift itsorientation from a lowered spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 8A, toa raised non-spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 8B.

[0174] In this non-spraying orientation, the lower portion 224 of theplunger 222 does not dislodge the ball 226 from its valve seat 277 inthe spray release valve 228, thus preventing outflow of fluid therepast.The fluid pressure of the aerosol in pressurized aerosol container 208maintains the ball 226 in seated, sealing engagement, with its valveseat 277, such that spray release valve 228 remains closed.

[0175] Following termination of fluid flow from pressurized aerosolcontainer 208 past bimetallic disc 220, the ambient temperature in thespray dispenser 200 gradually rises above the predetermined shiftactuating temperature, and the bimetallic disc 220 is gradually warmedto a lowered orientation shift actuating temperature, until thebimetallic disc 220 once again assumes the lowered spraying orientationshown in FIGS. 8A and 9A.

[0176] It is noted that by rotation of rotatably adjustable knob 264, asdescribed with reference to FIG. 7, a biasing force is applied to thebimetallic disc 220. The biasing force allows the bimetallic disc 220 toshift its orientation at a shift actuating temperature in accordancewith a user selection.

[0177] It is noted that the selected time interval between sprays andthe selected spray initiation temperature are dependent on ambienttemperature variations within the range of operation of the spraydispenser 200. More specifically, the operation of the bimetallic disc220 between its lowered spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 8A, andits raised non-spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 8B, is naturallydependent on the ambient temperature, which determines the rate at whichthe temperature of the bimetallic disc changes. Thus, when the ambienttemperature decreases the warming of the bimetallic disc 220 is slowedand correspondingly its assumption of the lowered spraying orientationof FIG. 8A is delayed.

[0178] It is further noted that a relatively large upper portion 282 ofvolume 278 is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. This relatively large upperportion 282 of volume 278 allows for relatively long residence of thefluid within the spray dispenser 200, producing enhanced vaporizationand enhanced dissipation thereof and reducing the incidence of liquiddroplets in the aerosol spray exiting spray nozzle 212. Should a smallerupper portion 282 of volume 278 be provided, a relatively greaterincidence of liquid droplets in the aerosol spray can be expected tooccur.

[0179] Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A & 10B, which are each asimplified top view illustration of an embodiment of the spray dispenser200 of FIG. 6. As seen in FIG. 10A, a user may rotate a rotatablyadjustable knob, designated by reference numeral 264, so as to select atime interval between sprays, as described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 7. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10B, a user may rotate arotatably adjustable knob, here designated by reference numeral 290, soas to select a spray initiation temperature in a manner similar to thatdescribed hereinabove with reference to knob 264 in FIG. 7.

[0180] Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a spray dispenser 300 constructed and operative inaccordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention and mounted on a conventional pressurized aerosol container.As seen in FIG. 11, the spray dispenser 300 comprises a housing 301,preferably including a bottom housing portion 302 and a top housingportion 303. Bottom housing portion 302 is preferably configured todefine a plurality of radially distributed inward facing resilientprongs 304, which resiliently engage a cover 305 of a container openingvalve 306 of a conventional pressurized aerosol container 308.

[0181] It is noted that pressurized aerosol container 308 may containany of a large variety of fluids including, for example, air, oxygen,fuels, water, oils, sterilizers, cleaning materials, insecticides anddeodorants.

[0182] Mounted onto top housing portion 303 is a spray nozzle 312 of anysuitable configuration. It is appreciated that a plurality of spraynozzles may be provided.

[0183] As seen in an insert of FIG. 11, the prongs 304 are provided on abottom portion thereof with inward facing legs 314, which engage thepressurized aerosol container 308 at a contact location 316 adjacent toan outward protruding portion of cover 305 of the container openingvalve 306 so as to prevent removal of the spray dispenser 300 from thepressurized aerosol container 308.

[0184] Prongs 304 and legs 314 are preferably formed of a resilientmaterial, such as a resilient plastic so as to allow spray dispenser 300to resiliently engage container 308 without use of rings or othertightening means.

[0185] Reference is now made to FIG. 12, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of principal operative elements of the spray dispenser 300of FIG. 11. A bimetallic element of any suitable configuration, such asa bimetallic disc 320, is operative to intermittently actuate sprayingof the contents of the pressurized aerosol container 308. This ispreferably achieved by a plunger 322, which is loosely mounted ontobimetallic disc 320 and is preferably seated within a slotted ring 323.Alternatively, plunger 322 may be integrally formed with or welded tobimetallic disc 320.

[0186] It is noted that the bimetallic disc 320 is preferably looselymounted within the spray dispenser 300 so as to allow the bimetallicdisc 320 to assume its appropriate operational orientation correspondingto temperature changes within the spray dispenser 300, as will bedescribed hereinbelow.

[0187] A lower portion 324 of plunger 322 preferably engages a ball 326of a spray release valve 328. Plunger 322 also includes an upper portion330, which is engaged by a biasing spring element 332, preferably in theform of a coiled spring. Biasing spring element 332 is in turn biased bya screw 334 extending below an upper portion 336 of top housing portion303 and is threadably mounted within top housing portion 303. Selectivebiasing of bimetallic disc 320 takes place along an axis 338.

[0188] Upper portion 336 of top housing portion 303 is formed with arotatably adjustable knob 364. User rotation of rotatably adjustableknob 364, and thus of the screw 334, causes a fixed force to be appliedto the biasing spring element 332 thus enabling the user to select auser defined time interval between sprays, or, alternatively, to selecta user defined spray initiation temperature. The force applied to thebiasing spring element 332 is predetermined to provide operation of thespray dispenser 300 corresponding to the user selection. The biasingspring element 332 applies a fixed force along axis 338 to bimetallicdisc 320, via plunger 322, thus providing for the spray dispenser 300 togenerally operate within the selected time interval between sprays, asshown in FIG. 15A, or, alternatively, for the spray dispenser 300 todispense the fluid generally at the spray initiation temperature asshown in FIG. 15B. A limiting pin 366 is provided to limit user rotationof the knob 364, and thus of the screw 334, thereby preventing thebiasing spring element 332 from applying an excessive force that maycause the bimetallic disc 320 to shift outside the range of operation ofthe spray dispenser 300.

[0189] Reference is now made to FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C which aresectional illustrations of the spray dispenser 300 of FIG. 11, takenalong lines XIII-XIII in FIG. 11 in three operative orientations and toFIGS. 14A and 14B, which are sectional illustrations of the spraydispenser 300 of FIGS. 13B & 13C, taken along lines XIVA-XIVA andXIVB-XIVB respectively, wherein FIG. 14B also includes an insert whichshows an enlarged section taken along lines A-A in FIG. 14B.

[0190] As seen in FIG. 13A, a flow prevention element 368, formed with arecess 369, is operative to retain ball 326 of spray release valve 328within its valve seat 370 so as to prevent release of aerosol spray frompressurized aerosol container 308, for example, during initial mountingof the spray dispenser 300 onto the pressurized aerosol container 308.

[0191] When the spray dispenser 300 of FIGS. 11-13C is initially mountedonto the pressurized aerosol container 308 flow prevention element 368is positioned, as shown in FIG. 13A, to prevent fluid flow to sprayrelease valve 328. As seen in FIGS. 13B and 13C, flow prevention element368 is positioned to allow fluid flow from pressurized aerosol container308 to spray release valve 328. A discharge orifice element 371 of thecontainer opening valve 306 of the pressurized aerosol container 308 isengaged in a recess 372 formed at the bottom of bottom housing portion302. A top surface 374 of the discharge orifice element 371 is sealinglyengaged by an actuator operative to allow fluid to be released from theinterior of the pressurized aerosol container 308 into the spraydispenser 300, via discharge orifice element 371. The actuator,preferably defined by a shoulder 376 of recess 372, pushes top surface374 towards container opening valve 306, thereby depressing dischargeorifice element 371 and thus the container opening valve 306 ismaintained in a substantially open position.

[0192] Flow prevention element 368 is operative to be positioned by auser in a position which prevents fluid from reaching the spray releasevalve 328 and thus prevents fluid from exiting spray nozzle 312, as seenin FIG. 13A. Flow prevention element 368 may also be positioned toprevent fluid from reaching the spray release valve 328 during shipmentand storage thereby preventing unwanted fluid discharge from spraydispenser 300.

[0193] The flow prevention element 368 operates as an on-off switch andallows the spray dispenser 300 to be mounted on the pressurized aerosolcontainer 308 in accordance with methods not conveniently preformed by auser.

[0194] It is noted that when ambient temperatures are above apredetermined shift actuating temperature, the bimetallic disc 320 ofthe spray dispenser 300 is located in a lowered spraying orientation, asseen in FIG. 13C. In this lowered spraying orientation, lower portion324 of plunger 322, which extends below bimetallic disc 320, preferablyengages ball 326 of spray release valve 328, forcing it away from itsvalve seat 370 and thus opening spray release valve 328. Accordingly,release of pressurized fluid, via discharge orifice element 371,produces a flow of fluid past ball 326 and around bottom portion 324 ofplunger 322. Part of the fluid enters a volume 378 underlying bimetallicdisc 320 and exits through spray nozzle 312. It is appreciated thatspray release valve 328 may be obviated and plunger 322 may directlyengage discharge orifice element 371 so as to allow pressurized fluidflow from container opening valve 306 into the spray dispenser 300.

[0195] Volume 378 is defined by inclined walls 379 on a bottom portionthereof so as to retain remaining fluid which did not exit spray nozzle312 for release during a subsequent discharge of fluid via spray nozzle312 to the ambient.

[0196] As seen particularly clearly in the insert in FIG. 14B, part ofthe fluid passes around bimetallic disc 320, via passageways 380, formedin housing 301, and expands in a volume 382 lying above bimetallic disc320, as shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C permitting vaporization of thefluid within volumes 378 and 382 and hence evaporation of the fluidtherein prior to exit of the fluid via spray nozzle 312. Evaporation ofthe fluid released from pressurized aerosol container 308 (FIGS.11-13C), both above and below the bimetallic disc 320, provides coolingof both top and bottom surfaces of the bimetallic disc 320 to a raisedorientation shift actuating temperature, causing it to shift itsorientation from a lowered spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 13C toa raised non-spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 13B. In thisnon-spraying orientation, the lower portion 324 of the plunger 322, doesnot dislodge the ball 326 from its valve seat 370 in the spray releasevalve 328, thus preventing outflow of fluid therepast. The fluidpressure of the aerosol in pressurized aerosol container 308 maintainsthe ball 326 in seated, sealing engagement, with its valve seat 370,such that spray release valve 328 remains closed.

[0197] It is noted that by rotation of rotatably adjustable knob 364, asdescribed with reference to FIG. 12, a biasing force is applied to thebimetallic disc 320. The biasing force allows the bimetallic disc 320 toshift its orientation at a shift actuating temperature in accordancewith a user selection.

[0198] Following termination of fluid flow from pressurized aerosolcontainer 308 past bimetallic disc 320, the ambient temperature in thespray dispenser 300 gradually rises above the predetermined shiftactuating temperature and the bimetallic disc 320 is gradually warmed toa lowered orientation shift actuating temperature, until the bimetallicdisc 320 once again assumes the lowered spraying orientation shown inFIGS. 13C and 14B.

[0199] It is noted that the selected time interval between sprays andthe selected spray initiation temperature are dependent on ambienttemperature variations within the range of operation of the spraydispenser 300. More specifically, the operation of the bimetallic disc320 between its lowered spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 13C, andits raised non-spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 13B, is naturallydependent on the ambient temperature, which determines the rate at whichthe temperature of the bimetallic disc 320 changes. Thus, when theambient temperature decreases, the warming of the bimetallic disc 320 isslowed and correspondingly its assumption of the lowered sprayingorientation of FIG. 13C is delayed.

[0200] It is further noted that a relatively large volume 382 is shownin FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C. This relatively large volume allows forrelatively long residence of the fluid within the spray dispenser 300,producing enhanced vaporization and enhanced dissipation thereof andreducing the incidence of liquid droplets in the aerosol spray exitingspray nozzle 312. Should a smaller volume 382 be provided, a relativelygreater incidence of liquid droplets in the aerosol spray can beexpected to occur.

[0201] Reference is now made to FIGS. 15A & 15B, which are each asimplified top view illustration of an embodiment of the spray dispenser300 of FIG. 11. As seen in FIG. 15A, a user may rotate a rotatablyadjustable knob, designated by reference numeral 364, so as to select atime interval between sprays, as described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 12. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15B, a user may rotate arotatably adjustable knob, here designated by reference numeral 390, soas to select a spray initiation temperature, in a manner similar to thatdescribed hereinabove with reference to knob 364 in FIG. 12.

[0202] Reference is now made to FIG. 16, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a spray dispenser 400 constructed and operative inaccordance with still another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention and mounted on a conventional pressurized aerosol container.As seen in FIG. 16, the spray dispenser 400 comprises a housing 401,preferably including a bottom housing portion 402 and a top housingportion 403. Bottom housing portion 402 is preferably configured todefine a plurality of radially distributed inward facing resilientprongs 404, which resiliently engage a cover 405 of a container openingvalve 406 of a conventional pressurized aerosol container 408.

[0203] It is noted that pressurized aerosol container 408 may containany of a large variety of fluids including, for example, air, oxygen,fuels, water, oils, sterilizers, cleaning materials, insecticides anddeodorants.

[0204] Mounted onto top housing portion 403 is a spray nozzle 412 of anysuitable configuration. The spray dispenser 400 is also provided with athermometer 414 so as to indicate to a user the ambient temperatureoutside the spray dispenser 400. It is appreciated that a plurality ofspray nozzles may be provided.

[0205] Reference is now made to FIG. 17, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of principal operative elements of the spray dispenser 400of FIG. 16. A bimetallic disc 420 of any suitable configuration isoperative to intermittently actuate spraying of the contents of thepressurized aerosol container 408. This is preferably achieved by aplunger 422, which is loosely mounted onto bimetallic disc 420 and ispreferably seated within a slotted ring 423. Alternatively, plunger 422may be integrally formed with or welded to bimetallic disc 420.

[0206] It is noted that the bimetallic disc 420 is preferably looselymounted within the spray dispenser 400 so as to allow the bimetallicdisc 420 to assume its appropriate operational orientation correspondingto temperature changes within the spray dispenser 400, as will bedescribed hereinbelow.

[0207] A lower portion 424 of plunger 422 preferably defines a pin 426of a spray release valve 428. Plunger 422 also includes an upper portion430, which is engaged by a biasing spring element 432, which ispreferably in the form of a coiled spring. Biasing spring element 432 isin turn biased by a screw 434 extending below an upper portion 436 oftop housing portion 403. Screw 434 is threadably mounted within tophousing portion 403. Selective biasing of bimetallic disc 420 takesplace along an axis 438.

[0208] Upper portion 436 of top housing portion 403 is formed with arotatably adjustable knob 464. User rotation of rotatably adjustableknob 464, and thus of the screw 434, causes a fixed force to be appliedto the biasing spring element 432 thus enabling the user to select auser defined spray initiation temperature. The force applied to thebiasing spring element 432 is predetermined to provide operation of thespray dispenser 400 corresponding to the user selection. The biasingspring element 432 applies a fixed force along axis 438 to bimetallicdisc 420, via plunger 422, thus providing for the spray dispenser 400 todispense the fluid generally at the spray initiation temperature, asillustrated hereinbelow in reference to FIG. 20.

[0209] A limiting pin 466 is provided to limit user rotation of the knob464, and thus of the screw 434, thereby preventing the biasing springelement 432 from applying an excessive force to the bimetallic disc 420that may cause the bimetallic disc 420 to shift outside the range ofoperation of the spray dispenser 400.

[0210] Reference is now made to FIGS. 18A, 18B & 18C, which aresectional illustrations of the spray dispenser 400 of FIG. 16, takenalong lines XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 16 in three operative orientations andto FIGS. 19A and 19B, which are sectional illustrations of the spraydispenser 400 of FIGS. 18B & 18C, taken along lines XIXA-XIXA andXIXB-XIXB respectively, wherein FIG. 19B also includes an insert whichshows an enlarged section taken along lines A-A in FIG. 19B.

[0211] As seen in FIG. 18A, a flow prevention element 468 also seen inFIG. 16 and formed with a half-cylindrical engagement portion 469, isoperative to engage a shoulder of plunger 422 so as to retain pin 426within its valve seat 470 so as to prevent release of aerosol spray frompressurized aerosol container 408, for example, during initial mountingof the spray dispenser 400 onto the pressurized aerosol container 408.

[0212] When the spray dispenser 400 of FIGS. 16-18C is initially mountedonto the pressurized aerosol container 408 flow prevention element 468is positioned, as shown in FIG. 18A, to prevent fluid flow to sprayrelease valve 428. As seen in FIGS. 18B and 18C, flow prevention element468 is positioned to allow fluid flow from pressurized aerosol container408 to spray release valve 428. A discharge orifice element 471 of thecontainer opening valve 406 of the pressurized aerosol container 408 isengaged in a recess 472 formed at the bottom of bottom housing portion402. A top surface 473 of the discharge orifice element 471 is sealinglyengaged by an actuator operative to allow fluid to be released from theinterior of the pressurized aerosol container 408 into the spraydispenser 400, via discharge orifice element 471. The actuator,preferably defined by a shoulder 474 of recess 472, pushes top surface473 towards container opening valve 406, thereby depressing dischargeorifice element 471 and thus the container opening valve 406 ismaintained in a substantially open position.

[0213] Flow prevention element 468 is operative to be positioned by auser in a position which prevents fluid from reaching the spray releasevalve 428 and thus prevents fluid from exiting spray nozzle 412, as seenin FIG. 18A. Flow prevention element 468 may also be positioned toprevent fluid from reaching the spray release valve 428 during shipmentand storage thereby preventing unwanted fluid discharge from spraydispenser 400.

[0214] It is noted that when ambient temperatures are above apredetermined shift actuating temperature, the bimetallic disc 420 ofthe spray dispenser 400 is located in a raised spraying orientation, asseen in FIG. 18C. In the raised spraying orientation it is seen that pin426 is preferably dislodged from an aperture 475 defined by an O-ring476, which is seated in a recess defined in bottom housing portion 402,thus opening spray release valve 428. Accordingly, release ofpressurized fluid, via discharge orifice element 471, produces a flow offluid past aperture 475 and around bottom portion 424 of plunger 422.Part of the fluid enters a volume 478 underlying bimetallic disc 420 andexits through spray nozzle 412. It is appreciated that spray releasevalve 428 may be obviated and plunger 422 may directly engage dischargeorifice element 471 so as to allow pressurized fluid flow from containeropening valve 406 into the spray dispenser 400.

[0215] Volume 478 is defined by inclined walls 479 on a bottom portionthereof so as to retain remaining fluid which did not exit spray nozzle412 for release during a subsequent discharge of fluid via spray nozzle412 to the ambient.

[0216] As seen particularly clearly in the insert in FIG. 19B, part ofthe fluid passes around bimetallic disc 420, via passageways 480 formedin housing 401, and expands in a volume 482 lying above bimetallic disc420, as shown in FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C, permitting vaporization of thefluid within volumes 478 and 482 and hence evaporation of the fluidtherein prior to exit of the fluid via spray nozzle 412. Evaporation ofthe fluid released from pressurized aerosol container 408, both aboveand below the bimetallic disc 420, provides cooling of both top andbottom surfaces of bimetallic disc 420 to a lowered orientation shiftactuating temperature, causing it to shift its orientation from a raisedspraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 18C, to a lowered non-sprayingorientation, as shown in FIG. 18B. In this non-spraying orientation, thepin 426 of the plunger 422 is not dislodged from aperture 475, thuspreventing outflow of fluid therepast.

[0217] Following termination of fluid flow from pressurized aerosolcontainer 408 past bimetallic disc 420, the ambient temperature in thespray dispenser 400 gradually rises above the predetermined shiftactuating temperature, and the bimetallic disc 420 is gradually warmedto a raised orientation shift actuating temperature, until thebimetallic disc 420 once again assumes the raised spraying orientationshown in FIGS. 18C and 19B.

[0218] It is noted that by rotation of rotatably adjustable knob 464, asdescribed with reference to FIG. 17, a biasing force is applied to thebimetallic disc 420. The biasing force allows the bimetallic disc 420 toshift its orientation at a shift actuating temperature in accordancewith a user selection.

[0219] It is noted that the selected spray initiation temperature isdependent on ambient temperature variations within the range ofoperation of the spray dispenser 400. More specifically, the operationof the bimetallic disc 420 between its raised spraying orientation, asshown in FIG. 18C, and its lowered non-spraying orientation, as shown inFIG. 18B, is naturally dependent on the ambient temperature, whichdetermines the rate at which the temperature of the bimetallic discchanges. Thus, when the ambient temperature decreases, the warming ofthe bimetallic disc 420 is slowed and correspondingly its assumption ofthe raised spraying orientation of FIG. 18C is delayed.

[0220] It is further noted that a relatively small volume 482 is shownin FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C. This relatively small volume allows forrelatively short residence of the fluid within the spray dispenser 400,increasing the incidence of liquid droplets in the aerosol spray exitingspray nozzle 412.

[0221] Reference is now made to FIG. 20, which is a simplified top viewillustration of the spray dispenser 400 of FIG. 16. As seen in FIG. 20,a user may rotate rotatably adjustable knob 464 so as to select a sprayinitiation temperature.

[0222] Reference is now made to FIG. 21, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a spray dispenser 500 constructed and operative inaccordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present inventionand mounted on a conventional pressurized aerosol container. As seen inFIG. 21, the spray dispenser 500 comprises a housing 501, preferablyincluding a bottom housing portion 502 and a top housing portion 503.Bottom housing portion 502 is preferably provided with a fasteningelement 504, which resiliently engages a top portion of a conventionalpressurized aerosol container 508 having a container opening valve 510.

[0223] It is noted that pressurized aerosol container 508 may containany of a large variety of fluids including, for example, air, oxygen,fuels, water, oils, sterilizers, cleaning materials, insecticides anddeodorants.

[0224] Mounted onto top housing portion 503 is a spray nozzle 512 of anysuitable configuration. It is appreciated that a plurality of spraynozzles may be provided.

[0225] Reference is now made to FIG. 22, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of principal operative elements of the spray dispenser 500of FIG. 21. A bimetallic disc 520 of any suitable configuration isoperative to intermittently actuate spraying of the contents of thepressurized aerosol container 508. This is preferably achieved by aplunger 522, which is loosely mounted onto bimetallic disc 520 and ispreferably seated within a slotted ring 523. Alternatively, plunger 522may be integrally formed with or welded to bimetallic disc 520.

[0226] It is noted that the bimetallic disc 520 is preferably looselymounted within the spray dispenser 500 so as to allow the bimetallicdisc 520 to assume its appropriate operational orientation correspondingto temperature changes within the spray dispenser 500, as will bedescribed hereinbelow.

[0227] A lower portion 524 of plunger 522 preferably engages a ball 526of a spray release valve 528. Plunger 522 also includes an upper portion530, which is engaged by a biasing spring element 532, preferably in theform of a coiled spring. Biasing spring element 532 is in turn biased bya screw 534 extending below an upper portion 536 of top housing portion503. Screw 534 is threadably mounted within top housing portion 503.Selective biasing of bimetallic disc 520 takes place along an axis 538.

[0228] Upper portion 536 of top housing portion 503 is formed with arotatably adjustable knob 544. User rotation of rotatably adjustableknob 544, and thus of the screw 534, causes a fixed force to be appliedto the biasing spring element 532 thus enabling the user to select auser defined time interval between sprays or, alternatively, to select auser defined spray initiation temperature. The force applied to thebiasing spring element 532 is predetermined to provide operation of thespray dispenser 500 corresponding to the user selection. The biasingspring element 532 applies a fixed force along axis 538 to bimetallicdisc 520, via plunger 522, thus providing for the spray dispenser 500 togenerally operate within the selected time interval between sprays asshown in FIG. 25A, or, alternatively, for the spray dispenser 500 todispense the fluid generally at the spray initiation temperature, asshown in FIG. 25B.

[0229] A limiting pin 546 is provided to limit user rotation of the knob544 and thus of the screw 534, thereby preventing the biasing springelement 532 from applying an excessive force to the bimetallic disc 520that may cause the bimetallic disc 520 to shift outside the range ofoperation of the spray dispenser 500.

[0230] Top housing portion 503 is threadably mounted onto bottom housingportion 502. Top housing portion 503 and bottom housing portion 502jointly define an internal volume 550 operative to relatively thermallyisolate the bimetallic disc 520 from the ambient so as to provideenhanced ambient temperature independent operation of the spraydispenser 500 within a predetermined range of ambient temperatures.

[0231] Reference is now made to FIGS. 23A & 23B, which are sectionalillustrations of the spray dispenser 500 of FIG. 21, taken along linesXXIII-XXIII in FIG. 21 in respective spraying and non-spraying operativeorientations and to FIGS. 24A and 24B, which are sectional illustrationsof the spray dispenser 500 of FIGS. 23A & 23B, taken along linesXXIVA-XIVA and XXIVB-XXIVB respectively, wherein FIG. 24A also includesan insert which shows an enlarged section taken along lines A-A in FIG.24A. As seen in FIG. 23A, a mounting element 552 of the spray dispenser500 of FIGS. 21-23B is preferably mounted onto a discharge orificeelement 554 of the pressurized aerosol container 508. When the spraydispenser 500 is initially mounted onto the pressurized aerosolcontainer 508, the discharge orifice element 554 of the containeropening valve 510 of the pressurized aerosol container 508 is engaged ina recess 572 formed in mounting element 552.

[0232] A top surface 574 of the discharge orifice element 554 issealingly engaged by an actuator operative to allow fluid to be releasedfrom the interior of the pressurized aerosol container 508 into thespray dispenser 500, via discharge orifice element 554 and a conduit 576formed in mounting element 552. The actuator, preferably defined by ashoulder 575 of recess 572, pushes top surface 574 towards containeropening valve 510, thereby depressing discharge orifice element 554 andthus the container opening valve 506 is maintained in a substantiallyopen position.

[0233] It is appreciated that mounting element 552 may accommodatedifferent sizes of discharge orifice elements. Furthermore, mountingelement 552 may be a removable mounting element which comprises agripping portion, such as a gripping portion 577 constructed andoperative for easy removal of mounting element 552 to be replaced byanother mounting element. Alternatively, mounting element 552 may beobviated.

[0234] It is noted that when ambient temperatures are above apredetermined shift actuating temperature, the bimetallic disc 520 ofthe spray dispenser 500 is located in a lowered spraying orientation, asseen in FIG. 23A. In this lowered spraying orientation, lower portion524 of plunger 522, which extends below bimetallic disc 520, preferablyengages ball 526 of spray release valve 528, forcing it away from itsvalve seat and thus opening spray release valve 528. Accordingly,release of pressurized fluid, via discharge orifice element 554,produces a flow of fluid past ball 526 and around bottom portion 524 ofplunger 522. Part of the fluid enters a volume 578 underlying bimetallicdisc 520 and exits through spray nozzle 512.

[0235] Volume 578 is defined by inclined walls 579 on a bottom portionthereof so as to retain remaining fluid which did not exit spray nozzle512 for release during a subsequent discharge of fluid via spray nozzle512 to the ambient.

[0236] As seen particularly clearly in the insert in FIG. 24A, part ofthe fluid passes around bimetallic disc 520, via passageways 580 formedin the top housing portion 503, and expands in a volume 582 lying abovebimetallic disc 520, as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, permittingvaporization of the fluid within volumes 578 and 582 and henceevaporation of the fluid therein prior to exit of the fluid via spraynozzle 512. Evaporation of the fluid released from pressurized aerosolcontainer 508 (FIGS. 21-23B), both above and below the bimetallic disc520, provides cooling of both top and bottom surfaces of bimetallic disc520 to a raised orientation shift actuating temperature, causing it toshift its orientation from a lowered spraying orientation, as shown inFIG. 23A to a raised non-spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 23B. Inthis non-spraying orientation, the lower portion 524 of the plunger 523,does not dislodge the ball 526 from its valve seat in the spray releasevalve 528, thus preventing outflow of fluid therepast. The fluidpressure of the aerosol in pressurized aerosol container 508 maintainsthe ball 526 in seated, sealing engagement, with its valve seat, suchthat spray release valve 528 remains closed.

[0237] Following termination of fluid flow from pressurized aerosolcontainer 508 past bimetallic disc 520, the ambient temperature in thespray dispenser 500 gradually rises above the predetermined shiftactuating temperature and the bimetallic disc 520 is gradually warmed toa lowered orientation shift actuating temperature, until the bimetallicdisc 520 once again assumes the lowered spraying orientation shown inFIGS. 23A and 24A.

[0238] It is noted that by rotation of rotatably adjustable knob 544, asdescribed with reference to FIG. 22, a biasing force is applied to thebimetallic disc 520. The biasing force allows the bimetallic disc 520 toshift its orientation at a shift actuating temperature in accordancewith a user selection.

[0239] It is noted that although internal volume 550 is operative torelatively thermally isolate the bimetallic disc 520 from the ambient,so as to reduce the influence of the ambient temperature changes on theoperation of the spray dispenser 500, the selected time interval betweensprays and the selected spray initiation temperature are neverthelesssomewhat dependent on ambient temperature variations within the range ofoperation of the spray dispenser 500. More specifically, the operationof the bimetallic disc 520 between its lowered spraying orientation, asshown in FIG. 23A, and its raised non-spraying orientation, as shown inFIG. 23B, is naturally dependent on the ambient temperature, whichdetermines the rate at which the temperature of the bimetallic discchanges. Thus, when the ambient temperature decreases, the warming ofthe bimetallic disc 520 is slowed and correspondingly its assumption ofthe lowered spraying orientation of FIG. 23A is delayed.

[0240] Reference is now made to FIGS. 25A & 25B, which are each asimplified top view illustration of an embodiment of the spray dispenser500 of FIG. 21. As seen in FIG. 25A, a user may rotate a rotatablyadjustable knob, designated by reference numeral 544, so as to select atime interval between sprays, as described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 22. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 25B, a user may rotate arotatably adjustable knob, here designated by reference numeral 590, soas to select a spray initiation temperature in a manner similar to thatdescribed hereinabove with reference to knob 544 in FIG. 22.

[0241] Reference is now made to FIG. 26, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a spray dispenser 600 constructed and operative inaccordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the presentinvention and mounted on a conventional pressurized aerosol container.As seen in FIG. 26, the spray dispenser 600 comprises a housing 601,preferably including a bottom housing portion 602 and a top housingportion 603. Bottom housing portion 602 is preferably provided with afastening element 604, which resiliently engages a top portion of aconventional pressurized aerosol container 608 having a containeropening valve 610.

[0242] It is noted that pressurized aerosol container 608 may containany of a large variety of fluids including, for example, air, oxygen,fuels, water, oils, sterilizers, cleaning materials, insecticides anddeodorants.

[0243] Mounted onto top housing portion 603 is a spray nozzle 612 of anysuitable configuration. It is appreciated that a plurality of spraynozzles may be provided.

[0244] Reference is now made to FIG. 27, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of principal operative elements of the spray dispenser 600of FIG. 26. A bimetallic disc 620 of any suitable configuration isoperative to intermittently actuate spraying of the contents of thepressurized aerosol container 608. This is preferably achieved by aplunger 622, which is loosely mounted onto bimetallic disc 620 and ispreferably seated within a slotted ring 623. Alternatively, plunger 622may be integrally formed with or welded to bimetallic disc 620.

[0245] It is noted that the bimetallic disc 620 is preferably looselymounted within the spray dispenser 600 so as to allow the bimetallicdisc 620 to assume its appropriate operational orientation correspondingto temperature changes within the spray dispenser 600, as will bedescribed hereinbelow.

[0246] A lower portion 624 of plunger 622 preferably defines a pin 626of a spray release valve 628. Plunger 622 also includes an upper portion630, which is engaged by a biasing spring element 632, preferably in theform of a coiled spring. Biasing spring element 632 is in turn biased bya screw 634 extending below an upper portion 636 of top housing portion603 and is threadably mounted within top housing portion 603. Selectivebiasing of bimetallic disc 620 takes place along an axis 638.

[0247] Upper portion 636 of top housing portion 603 is formed with arotatably adjustable knob 644. User rotation of rotatably adjustableknob 644, and thus of the screw 634, causes a fixed force to be appliedto the biasing spring element 632 thus enabling the user to select auser defined interval between sprays or, alternatively, to select a userdefined spray initiation temperature. The force applied to the biasingspring element 632 is predetermined to provide operation of the spraydispenser 600 corresponding to the user selection. The biasing springelement 632 applies a fixed force along axis 638 to bimetallic disc 620,via plunger 622, thus providing for the spray dispenser 600 to generallyoperate within the selected time interval between sprays, as shown inFIG. 30A, or, alternatively, for the spray dispenser 600 to dispense thefluid generally at the spray initiation temperature, as shown in FIG.30B.

[0248] A limiting pin 646 is provided to limit user rotation of the knob644 and thus of the screw 634, thereby preventing the biasing springelement 632 from applying an excessive force to the bimetallic disc 620that may cause the bimetallic disc 620 to shift outside the range ofoperation of the spray dispenser 600.

[0249] Top housing portion 603 is threadably mounted onto bottom housingportion 602. Top housing portion 603 and bottom housing portion 602jointly define an internal volume 650 operative to relatively thermallyisolate the bimetallic disc 620 from the ambient so as to provideenhanced ambient temperature independent operation of the spraydispenser 600 within a predetermined range of ambient temperatures.

[0250] Reference is now made to FIGS. 28A and 28B, which are sectionalillustrations of the spray dispenser 600 of FIG. 26, taken along linesXXVIII-XXVIII in FIG. 26 in two operative orientations and to FIGS. 29Aand 29B, which are sectional illustrations of the spray dispenser 600 ofFIGS. 28A & 28B, taken along lines XXIXA-XXIXA and XXIXB-XXIXBrespectively, wherein FIG. 29A also includes an insert which shows anenlarged section taken along lines A-A in FIG. 29A.

[0251] As seen in FIG. 28A, a mounting element 652 of the spraydispenser 600 of FIGS. 26-28B is preferably mounted onto a dischargeorifice element 654 of the pressurized aerosol container 608. When thespray dispenser 600 is initially mounted onto the pressurized aerosolcontainer 608, the discharge orifice element 654 of the containeropening valve 610 of the pressurized aerosol container 608 is engaged ina recess 672 formed in mounting element 652.

[0252] A top surface 673 of the discharge orifice element 654 issealingly engaged by an actuator operative to allow fluid to be releasedfrom the interior of the pressurized aerosol container 608 into thespray dispenser 600, via discharge orifice element 654 and a conduit 676formed in mounting element 652. The actuator, preferably defined by ashoulder 674 of recess 672, pushes top surface 673 towards containeropening valve 610, thereby depressing discharge orifice element 654 andthus the container opening valve 610 is maintained in a substantiallyopen position.

[0253] It is appreciated that mounting element 652 may accommodatedifferent sizes of discharge orifice elements. Furthermore, mountingelement 652 may be a removable mounting element which comprises agripping portion, such as a gripping portion 677 constructed andoperative for easy removal of mounting element 652 to be replaced byanother mounting element. Alternatively, mounting element 652 may beobviated.

[0254] It is noted that when ambient temperatures are above apredetermined shift actuating temperature, the bimetallic disc 620 ofthe spray dispenser 600 is located in a raised spraying orientation, asseen in FIG. 28A. In the raised spraying orientation it is seen that pin626 is preferably dislodged from an aperture 678, preferably defined byan O-ring 680, which is seated in housing 601 and thus opening sprayrelease valve 628. Accordingly, release of pressurized fluid, viadischarge orifice element 654, produces a flow of fluid past aperture678 and around bottom portion 624 of plunger 622. Part of the fluidenters a volume 682 underlying bimetallic disc 620 and exits throughspray nozzle 612.

[0255] Volume 682 is defined by inclined walls 683 on a bottom portionthereof so as to retain remaining fluid which did not exit spray nozzle612 for release during a subsequent discharge of fluid via spray nozzle612 to the ambient.

[0256] As seen particularly clearly in the insert in FIG. 29A, part ofthe fluid passes around bimetallic disc 620, via passageways 684 formedin the top housing portion 603, and expands in a volume 686 lying abovebimetallic disc 620, as shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B, permittingvaporization of the fluid within volumes 682 and 686 and henceevaporation of the fluid therein prior to exit of the fluid via spraynozzle 612. Evaporation of the fluid released from pressurized aerosolcontainer 608, both above and below the bimetallic disc 620, providescooling of both top and bottom surfaces of bimetallic disc 620 to alowered orientation shift actuating temperature, causing it to shift itsorientation from a raised spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 28A, toa lowered non-spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 28B. In thisnon-spraying orientation, the pin 626 of the plunger 622 is notdislodged from aperture 678 thus preventing outflow of fluid therepast.

[0257] Following termination of fluid flow from pressurized aerosolcontainer 608 past bimetallic disc 620, the ambient temperature in thespray dispenser 600 gradually rises above the predetermined shiftactuating temperature, and the bimetallic disc 620 is gradually warmedto a raised orientation shift actuating temperature, until thebimetallic disc 620 once again assumes the raised spraying orientationshown in FIGS. 28A and 29A.

[0258] It is noted that by rotation of rotatably adjustable knob 644, asdescribed with reference to FIG. 27, a biasing force is applied to thebimetallic disc 620. The biasing force allows the bimetallic disc 620 toshift its orientation at a shift actuating temperature in accordancewith a user selection.

[0259] It is noted that although internal volume 650 is operative torelatively thermally isolate the bimetallic disc 620 from the ambient,so as to reduce the influence of the ambient temperature changes on theoperation of the spray dispenser 600, the selected time interval betweensprays and the selected spray initiation temperature are neverthelesssomewhat dependent on ambient temperature variations within the range ofoperation of the spray dispenser 600. More specifically, the operationof the bimetallic disc 620 between its raised spraying orientation, asshown in FIG. 28A, and its lowered non-spraying orientation, as shown inFIG. 28B, is naturally dependent on the ambient temperature, whichdetermines the rate at which the temperature of the bimetallic discchanges. Thus, when the ambient temperature decreases, the warming ofthe bimetallic disc 620 is slowed and correspondingly its assumption ofthe raised spraying orientation of FIG. 28A is delayed.

[0260] Reference is now made to FIGS. 30A & 30B, which are each asimplified top view illustration of an embodiment of the spray dispenser600 of FIG. 26. As seen in FIG. 30A, a user may rotate a rotatablyadjustable knob, designated by reference numeral 644, so as to select atime interval between sprays, as described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 27. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 30B, a user may rotate arotatably adjustable knob, here designated by reference numeral 690, soas to select a spray initiation temperature, in a manner similar to thatdescribed hereinabove with reference to knob 644 in FIG. 27.

[0261] Reference is now made to FIG. 31, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a spray dispenser 700 constructed and operative inaccordance with a still further preferred embodiment of the presentinvention and mounted on a conventional pressurized aerosol container.As seen in FIG. 31, the spray dispenser 700 comprises a housing 701,preferably including a bottom housing portion 702 and a top housingportion 703. Bottom housing portion 702 is preferably configured todefine a plurality of radially distributed inward facing resilientprongs 704, which resiliently engage a cover 705 of a container openingvalve 706 of a conventional pressurized aerosol container 708.

[0262] It is noted that pressurized aerosol container 708 may containany of a large variety of fluids including, for example, air, oxygen,fuels, water, oils, sterilizers, cleaning materials, insecticides anddeodorants.

[0263] Mounted onto top housing portion 703 is a spray nozzle 712 of anysuitable configuration. It is appreciated that a plurality of spraynozzles may be provided.

[0264] Reference is now made to FIG. 32, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of principal operative elements of the spray dispenser 700of FIG. 31. A bimetallic disc 720 of any suitable configuration isoperative to intermittently actuate spraying of the contents of thepressurized aerosol container 708. This is preferably achieved by aplunger 722, which is loosely mounted onto bimetallic disc 720 and ispreferably seated within a slotted ring 723. Alternatively, plunger 722may be integrally formed with or welded to bimetallic disc 720.

[0265] It is noted that the bimetallic disc 720 is preferably looselymounted within the spray dispenser 700 so as to allow the bimetallicdisc 720 to assume its appropriate operational orientation correspondingto temperature changes within the spray dispenser 700, as will bedescribed hereinbelow.

[0266] A lower portion 724 of plunger 722 preferably engages a ball 726of a spray release valve 728. Plunger 722 also includes an upper portion730. Biasing of bimetallic disc 720 takes place along an axis 738.

[0267] Alternatively, spray release valve 728 may comprise a pin of thetype shown in FIGS. 17-18C and 27-28B. It is appreciated that the spraydispenser 700 may be provided with a flow prevention element, as shownin FIGS. 12-13B and designated by reference numeral 368 or as shown inFIGS. 17-18C and designated by reference numeral 468.

[0268] Reference is now made to FIGS. 33A & 33B, which are sectionalillustrations of the spray dispenser 700 of FIG. 31, taken along linesXIII-XIII in FIG. 31 in respective spraying and non-spraying operativeorientations and to FIGS. 34A and 34B, which are sectional illustrationsof the spray dispenser 700 of FIGS. 33A & 33B, taken along linesXXXIVA-XXXIVA and XXXIVB-XXXIVB respectively, wherein FIG. 34A alsoincludes an insert which shows an enlarged section taken along lines A-Ain FIG. 34A.

[0269] When the spray dispenser 700 of FIGS. 31-33B is initially mountedonto the pressurized aerosol container 708, a discharge orifice element770 of the container opening valve 706 of the pressurized aerosolcontainer 708 is engaged in a recess 772 formed at the bottom of bottomhousing portion 702. A top surface 774 of the discharge orifice element770 is sealingly engaged by an actuator operative to allow fluid to bereleased from the interior of the pressurized aerosol container 708 intothe spray dispenser 700, via discharge orifice element 770. Theactuator, preferably defined by a shoulder 776 of recess 772, pushes topsurface 774 towards container opening valve 706, thereby depressingdischarge orifice element 770 and thus the container opening valve 706is maintained in a substantially open position.

[0270] It is noted that when ambient temperatures are above apredetermined shift actuating temperature, the bimetallic disc 720 ofthe spray dispenser 700 is located in a lowered spraying orientation, asseen in FIG. 33A. In this lowered spraying orientation, lower portion724 of plunger 722, which extends below bimetallic disc 720, preferablyengages ball 726 of spray release valve 728, forcing it away from itsvalve seat 777 and thus opening spray release valve 728. Accordingly,release of pressurized fluid, via discharge orifice element 770,produces a flow of fluid past ball 726 and around bottom portion 724 ofplunger 722. Part of the fluid enters a volume 778 underlying bimetallicdisc 720 and exits through spray nozzle 712. It is appreciated thatspray release valve 728 may be obviated and plunger 722 may directlyengage discharge orifice element 770 so as to allow pressurized fluidflow from container opening valve 706 into the spray dispenser 700.

[0271] Volume 778 is defined by inclined walls 779 on a bottom portionthereof so as to retain remaining fluid which did not exit spray nozzle712 for release during a subsequent discharge of fluid via spray nozzle712 to the ambient.

[0272] It is noted that surfaces of volume 778 may be made of a coldretaining material, such as aluminum, so as to delay the warming of thebimetallic disc 720 thereby lengthening the intervals between sprays.

[0273] As seen particularly clearly in the insert in FIG. 34A, part ofthe fluid passes around bimetallic disc 720, via passageways 780 formedin housing 701, and expands in a volume 782 lying above bimetallic disc720, as shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B, permitting vaporization of the fluidwithin volumes 778 and 782 and hence evaporation of the fluid thereinprior to exit of the fluid via spray nozzle 712. Evaporation of thefluid released from pressurized aerosol container 708 (FIGS. 31-33B)both above and below the bimetallic disc 720 provides cooling of bothtop and bottom surfaces of bimetallic disc 720 to a raised orientationshift actuating temperature, causing it to shift its orientation from alowered spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 33A, to a raisednon-spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 33B. In this non-sprayingorientation, the lower portion 724 of the plunger 722 does not dislodgethe ball 726 from its valve seat 777 in the spray release valve 728,thus preventing outflow of fluid there past. The fluid pressure of theaerosol in pressurized aerosol container 708 maintains the ball 726 inseated, sealing engagement, with its valve seat 777, such that sprayrelease valve 728 remains closed.

[0274] Following termination of fluid flow from pressurized aerosolcontainer 708 past bimetallic disc 720, the ambient temperature in thespray dispenser 700 gradually rises above the predetermined shiftactuating temperature and gradually warms the bimetallic disc 720 to alowered orientation shift actuating temperature, until the bimetallicdisc 720 once again assumes the lowered spraying orientation shown inFIGS. 33A and 34A.

[0275] It is noted that a time interval between sprays is dependent onambient temperature variations within the range of operation of thespray dispenser 700. More specifically, the operation of the bimetallicdisc 720 between its lowered spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 33A,and its raised non-spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 33B, isnaturally dependent on the ambient temperature, which determines therate at which the temperature of the bimetallic disc changes. Thus, whenthe ambient temperature decreases, the warming of the bimetallic disc720 is slowed and, correspondingly, its assumption of the loweredspraying orientation of FIG. 33A is delayed.

[0276] It is further noted that a relatively large volume 782 is shownin FIGS. 33A and 33B. This relatively large volume allows for relativelylong residence of the fluid within the spray dispenser 700, producingenhanced vaporization and enhanced dissipation thereof and reducing theincidence of liquid droplets in the aerosol spray exiting spray nozzle712. Should a smaller volume 782 be provided, a relatively greaterincidence of liquid droplets in the aerosol spray can be expected tooccur.

[0277] It is appreciated that the spray dispenser 700 shown hereinabovein FIGS. 1-5B and 11-34B may be transferred from one pressurized aerosolcontainer to another.

[0278] Reference is now made to FIG. 35, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a spray dispenser 800 constructed and operative inaccordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention and mounted on a pressurized aerosol container. As seen inFIG. 35, the spray dispenser 800 comprises a housing 801, preferablyincluding a bottom housing portion 802 and a top housing portion 803.Spray dispenser 800 preferably is mounted on a pressurized aerosolcontainer 808 comprising a dip tube 810.

[0279] It is noted that pressurized aerosol container 808 may containany of a large variety of fluids including, for example, air, oxygen,fuels, water, oils, sterilizers, cleaning materials, insecticides anddeodorants.

[0280] Mounted onto spray dispenser 800 is a spray nozzle 812 of anysuitable configuration. It is appreciated that a plurality of spraynozzles may be provided. A flow prevention element 814 preferably ismounted onto bottom portion 802

[0281] Reference is now made to FIG. 36, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of principal operative elements of the spray dispenser 800of FIG. 35. A bimetallic disc 820 of any suitable configuration isoperative to intermittently actuate spraying of the contents of thepressurized aerosol container 808. This is preferably achieved by aplunger 822, which is loosely mounted onto bimetallic disc 820 and ispreferably seated within a slotted ring 823. Alternatively, plunger 822may be integrally formed with or welded to bimetallic disc 820.

[0282] It is noted that the bimetallic disc 820 is preferably looselymounted within the spray dispenser 800 so as to allow the bimetallicdisc 820 to assume its appropriate operational orientation correspondingto temperature changes within the spray dispenser 800, as will bedescribed hereinbelow.

[0283] A lower portion 824 of plunger 822 preferably engages a ball 826of a spray release valve 828. Alternatively, spray release valve 828 maycomprise a pin of the type shown in FIGS. 17-18C and 27-28B. Plunger 822also includes an upper portion 830, which is engaged by a biasing springelement 832, preferably in the form of a coiled spring. Biasing springelement 832 is in turn biased by a screw 834 extending below an upperportion 836 of top housing portion 803 and is threadably mounted withintop housing portion 803. Selective biasing of bimetallic disc 820 takesplace along an axis 838.

[0284] Upper portion 836 of top housing portion 803 is formed with arotatably adjustable knob 864. User rotation of rotatably adjustableknob 864, and thus of the screw 834, causes a fixed force to be appliedto the biasing spring element 832 thus enabling the user to select auser defined time interval between sprays, or, alternatively, to selecta user defined spray initiation temperature. The force applied to thebiasing spring element 832 is predetermined to provide operation of thespray dispenser 800 corresponding to the user selection. The biasingspring element 832 applies a fixed force along axis 838 to bimetallicdisc 820, via plunger 822, thus providing for the spray dispenser 800 togenerally operate within the selected time interval between sprays, asshown in FIG. 39A, or, alternatively, for the spray dispenser 800 todispense the fluid generally at the spray initiation temperature, asshown in FIG. 39B.

[0285] A limiting pin 866 is provided to limit user rotation of the knob864, and thus of the screw 834, thereby preventing the biasing springelement 832 from applying an excessive force that may cause thebimetallic disc 820 to shift outside the range of operation of the spraydispenser 800.

[0286] As seen in FIG. 36, an extension 870 of spray dispenser 800 issealingly mounted in an aperture 872, which is formed in pressurizedaerosol container 808 and is defined by a top portion of dip tube 810. Arecess 874 is formed in extension 870 and is in fluid communication withdip tube 810 and a conduit 876 formed in bottom housing portion 802 ofspray dispenser 800. Recess 874 is preferably formed with a relativelysmall circumference so as to allow extension 870 to be stably mountedwithin aperture 872.

[0287] It is appreciated that the extension 870 may be sealinglyinserted into dip tube 810 by applying techniques known in the art forinserting valve stems in a conventional aerosol container.

[0288] It is appreciated that in the present embodiment, described withreference to FIGS. 35-39B, a container opening valve may be obviated.

[0289] Reference is now made to FIGS. 37A, 37B and 37C which aresectional illustrations of the spray dispenser 800 of FIG. 35, takenalong lines XXXVII-XXXVII in FIG. 35 in three operative orientations andto FIGS. 38A and 38B, which are sectional illustrations of the spraydispenser 800 of FIGS. 37B & 37C, taken along lines XXXVIIIA-XXXVIIIAand XXXVIIIB-XXXVIIIB respectively, wherein FIG. 38B also includes aninsert which shows an enlarged section taken along lines A-A in FIG.38B.

[0290] Flow prevention element 814, formed with a recess 880 on an endportion thereof, is operative, when positioned as seen in FIG. 37A, toretain ball 826 of spray release valve 828 within its valve seat 882 soas to prevent release of aerosol spray from pressurized aerosolcontainer 808.

[0291] Flow prevention element 814 is operative to be positioned by auser in a position which prevents fluid from reaching the spray releasevalve 828 and thus prevents fluid from exiting spray nozzle 812, as seenin FIG. 37A. Flow prevention element 814 may also be positioned toprevent fluid from reaching the spray release valve 828 during shipmentand storage thereby preventing unwanted fluid discharge from spraydispenser 800.

[0292] When flow prevention element 814 is positioned as seen in FIGS.37B and 37C fluid is allowed to flow from pressurized aerosol container808 into spray dispenser 800, via a fluid passageway 884, which isdefined by dip tube 810, recess 874 and conduit 876, to spray releasevalve 828.

[0293] It is noted that when ambient temperatures are above apredetermined shift actuating temperature, the bimetallic disc 820 ofthe spray dispenser 800 is located in a lowered spraying orientation, asseen in FIG. 37C. In this lowered spraying orientation, lower portion824 of plunger 822, which extends below bimetallic disc 820, preferablyengages ball 826 of spray release valve 828, forcing it away from itsvalve seat 882 and thus opening spray release valve 828. Accordingly,release of pressurized fluid, via passageway 884, produces a flow offluid past ball 826 and around bottom portion 824 of plunger 822. Partof the fluid enters a volume 888 underlying bimetallic disc 820 andexits through spray nozzle 812.

[0294] Volume 888 is defined by inclined walls 889 on a bottom portionthereof so as to retain remaining fluid which did not exit spray nozzle812 for release during a subsequent discharge of fluid via spray nozzle812 to the ambient.

[0295] As seen particularly clearly in the insert in FIG. 38B, part ofthe fluid passes around bimetallic disc 820, via passageways 890, formedin housing 801, and expands in a volume 892 lying above bimetallic disc820, as shown in FIGS. 37A, 37B and 37C permitting vaporization of thefluid within volumes 888 and 892 and hence evaporation of the fluidtherein prior to exit of the fluid via spray nozzle 812. Evaporation ofthe fluid released from pressurized aerosol container 808 (FIGS.35-37C), both above and below the bimetallic disc 820, provides coolingof both top and bottom surfaces of the bimetallic disc 820 to a raisedorientation shift actuating temperature, causing it to shift itsorientation from a lowered spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 37C toa raised non-spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 37B. In thisnon-spraying orientation, the lower portion 824 of the plunger 822, doesnot dislodge the ball 826 from its valve seat 882 in the spray releasevalve 828, thus preventing outflow of fluid therepast. The fluidpressure of the aerosol in pressurized aerosol container 808 maintainsthe ball 826 in seated, sealing engagement, with its valve seat 882,such that spray release valve 828 remains closed.

[0296] It is noted that a relatively large volume 892 is shown in FIGS.37A, 37B and 37C. This relatively large volume allows for relativelylong residence of the fluid within the spray dispenser 800, producingenhanced vaporization and enhanced dissipation thereof and reducing theincidence of liquid droplets in the aerosol spray exiting spray nozzle812. Should a smaller volume 892 be provided, a relatively greaterincidence of liquid droplets in the aerosol spray can be expected tooccur.

[0297] Following termination of fluid flow from pressurized aerosolcontainer 808 past bimetallic disc 820, the ambient temperature in thespray dispenser 800 gradually rises above the predetermined shiftactuating temperature and the bimetallic disc 820 is gradually warmed toa lowered orientation shift actuating temperature, until the bimetallicdisc 820 once again assumes the lowered spraying orientation shown inFIGS. 37C and 38B.

[0298] It is noted that by rotation of rotatably adjustable knob 864, asdescribed with reference to FIG. 36, a biasing force is applied to thebimetallic disc 820. The biasing force allows the bimetallic disc 820 toshift its orientation at a shift actuating temperature in accordancewith a user selection.

[0299] It is noted that the selected time interval between sprays andthe selected spray initiation temperature are dependent on ambienttemperature variations within the range of operation of the spraydispenser 800. More specifically, the operation of the bimetallic disc820 between its lowered spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 37C, andits raised non-spraying orientation, as shown in FIG. 37B, is naturallydependent on the ambient temperature, which determines the rate at whichthe temperature of the bimetallic disc 820 changes. Thus, when theambient temperature decreases, the warming of the bimetallic disc 820 isslowed and correspondingly its assumption of the lowered sprayingorientation of FIG. 37C is delayed.

[0300] Reference is now made to FIGS. 39A & 39B, which are each asimplified top view illustration of an embodiment of the spray dispenser800 of FIG. 35. As seen in FIG. 39A, a user may rotate a rotatablyadjustable knob, designated by reference numeral 864, so as to select atime interval between sprays, as described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 36. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 39B, a user may rotate arotatably adjustable knob, here designated by reference numeral 896, soas to select a spray initiation temperature in a manner similar to thatdescribed hereinabove with reference to knob 864 in FIG. 36.

[0301] It is appreciated that a temperature dependent biasing forceapplication functionality described with reference to FIG. 5A-5D may beemployed to bias the spring biasing element 832 in place of rotation ofrotatably adjustable knob 864 or 896.

[0302] Reference is now made to FIGS. 40A and 40B, which illustrate aspray valve 1010 constructed and operative in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0303] Spray valve 1010 preferably includes a dispenser body 1012 withan expansion chamber 1014 formed therein. Dispenser body 1012 may besealingly connected to a container 1016 containing a fluid 1018, such asby means of an elastic metal ring 1024 which tightly fits into a groove1026 formed at a bottom end of dispenser body 1012, in the same orsimilar manner as described in PCT patent application PCT/IL98/00618 andcorresponding U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,155. Fluid 1018 may be any kind offluid, suitable for storing in container 1016 (under pressure or not),such as, but not limited to, deodorants, pesticides, fungicides,foodstuffs, paint, repellents, and the like. Container 1016 may be anykind of pressurized or non-pressurized container used in any of theapplications described in PCT patent application PCT/IL98/00618.Container has a nozzle 1017 extending therefrom (FIG. 40A).

[0304] Dispenser body 1012 may include thermal insulation 1019, such asa plastic liner (single or multiple layers of insulation), or such asbeing constructed like a vacuum flask or with an insulating air pocket,for example.

[0305] A fluid outlet 1020 is preferably formed in dispenser body 1012and is in fluid communication with expansion chamber 1014. In theembodiment of FIGS. 40A and 40B, fluid outlet 1020 is located on a sideof dispenser body 1012.

[0306] A plunger 1022 is preferably arranged for sliding motion indispenser body 1012 between a first position (the position shown in FIG.40A) and a second position (the position shown in FIG. 40B). Plunger1022 can be brought into fluid communication with the fluid 1018contained in container 1016 in a variety of manners. In the illustratedembodiment, an adapter 1028 is provided formed with a lower aperture1029 which snugly fits over nozzle 1017 of container 1016. Differentadapters 1028 with differently sized apertures 1029 may be provided forconnection with any size nozzle 1017. An O-ring 1030 may be provided forsealing the fluid connection between adapter 1028 and container nozzle1017. Adapter 1028 is formed with a longitudinal bore 1031.

[0307] Adapter 1028 fits in a bore 1032 formed in dispenser body 1012.Another O-ring 1034 may be provided for fluidly sealing adapter 1028with respect to bore 1032. An upper portion 1036 of adapter 1028 abutsagainst a guide member 1038. Preferably a third O-ring 1040 is providedto seal the fluid connection between adapter 1028 and guide member 1038.Guide member 1038 is formed with a bore 1042 in which slides plunger1022. A lower portion of guide member 1038 is formed with a counterbore1044 which extends from bore 1042.

[0308] In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, plunger 1022 is constructed as a hollow needle with a hole1046 formed in a lower portion thereof and a hole 1048 formed at anupper end thereof (the hollow being shown in dashed lines in FIG. 40A).Alternatively, plunger 1022 may be formed as a non-hollow needle. A stop1050 may be affixed to the upper end of plunger 1022 which limits thedownward travel (in the sense of FIG. 40A) of plunger 1022. In the caseof a hollow-needle plunger 1022, an O-ring 1052 and O-ring cover 1054may be provided for fluidly sealing the upper end of plunger 1022 withguide member 1038 and stop 1050. In the case of a non-hollow plunger1022, stop 1050, O-ring 1052 and O-ring cover 1054 are preferablyomitted.

[0309] The skilled artisan will appreciate that the foregoingdescription of plunger 1022 and the various seals is just one example ofcountless other configurations of constructing and sealing plunger 1022,and that any configuration of plunger 1022 is within the scope of thepresent invention.

[0310] A deformable element 1056 is preferably mounted just aboveexpansion chamber 1014 in dispenser body 1012. Deformable element 1056may have any shape, such as circular, rectangular or square, forexample. In the case of a circular, disc-shaped element, deformableelement 1056 is not clamped around its periphery. Instead, deformableelement 1056 is preferably freely supported around its periphery. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 40A and 40B, a plug 1053 preferablysnugly fits in dispenser body 1012 and is preferably fastened theretowith a retaining ring 1047. The periphery of deformable element 1056 isplaced, but not clamped, between a lower extension 1043 of plug 1053 andan O-ring 1058. As deformable element 1056 bends downwards or upwards(in the sense of FIG. 40A), deformable element 1056 merely rests on orslightly squeezes O-ring 1058, but there is generally no clamping forceon deformable element 1056. The purpose of O-ring 1058 is to seal theexpansion chamber 1014 which is situated below deformable element 1056in the embodiment of FIGS. 40A and 40B. (In another embodiment, shown inFIG. 44, the expansion chamber is on both sides of the deformableelement, and there is no need for an O-ring.) Thus deformable element1056 is free to snap from one position to another without any clampingforces. Unlike the prior art, deformable element 1056 does not have thedisadvantage of being sensitive to slight misalignments or variations insize, and does not accidentally reverse its movement.

[0311] There is preferably a gap 1051 that extends radially between theperipheral edge of deformable element 1056 and the inner perimeter ofexpansion chamber 1014. Gap 1051 ensures that there are noradially-directed stresses acting upon deformable element 1056. In thecase of a non-hollow plunger 1022 that is attached to deformable element1056, gap 1051 enables plunger 1022 to self-center relative to stop 1050and O-ring 1052 without any radially-directed forces acting upondeformable element 1056. The presence of gap 1051 relaxes manufacturingtolerances and thus brings down the cost of manufacturing spray valve1010.

[0312] Deformable element 1056 may be formed with one or more holes inits central portion or any other portion thereof. The upper end ofplunger 1022 preferably abuts against a surface 1059 of deformableelement 1056. Alternatively, in the case of plunger 1022 beingconstructed as a non-hollow needle, plunger 1022 is preferably attachedto deformable element 1056, such as by means of spot welding, forexample.

[0313] In a most preferred embodiment, deformable element 1056 isconstructed of a bimetallic material, i.e., two dissimilar metals weldedor otherwise joined together, the two metals having differenttemperature coefficients of expansion. Due to the different thermalproperties of the two metals, deformable element 1056 has a firstorientation when in a reference temperature range and reversibly deformsto a second orientation when out of the reference temperature range.

[0314] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, deformable element1056 is in the first orientation shown in FIG. 40A. In this firstorientation, surface 1059 of deformable element 1056 has a generallyconvex shape when viewed from the upper tip of plunger 1022. Deformableelement 1056 applies a force against plunger 1022 generally in thedirection of an arrow 1057 so as to prevent plunger 1022 from slidingfrom the first position of FIG. 40A to the second position of FIG. 40B.In the first position, fluid 1018 can flow from container 1016 intolongitudinal bore 1031 of adapter 1028, but O-ring 1040 substantiallyprevents fluid 1018 from flowing into counterbore 1044 of guide member1038. Thus, in the first orientation, deformable element 1056 preventsfluid 1018 from being dispensed through outlet 1020. Deformable element1056 remains in the first orientation as long as it is in the referencetemperature range. For example, as long as deformable element 1056 isbelow −20° C., it will remain in the first orientation. (As is wellknown in the art, commercially available bimetallic elements can besupplied for any desired temperature range.)

[0315] If deformable element 1056 is out of the reference temperaturerange, then deformable element 1056 deforms to the second orientationshown in FIG. 40B. In this second orientation, surface 1059 ofdeformable element 1056 has a generally concave shape when viewed fromthe upper tip of plunger 1022. The deformation of deformable element1056 permits plunger 1022 to slide generally in the direction of anarrow 1055 (opposite to the direction of arrow 1057 shown in FIG. 40A)to the second position shown in FIG. 40B. In the second position, fluid1018 flows into counterbore 1044 of guide member 1038. In the case of ahollow plunger 1022, fluid 1018 then flows into hole 1046 throughplunger 1022 and out of upper hole 1048 into expansion chamber 1014. Inthe case of a non-hollow plunger 1022, fluid 1018 flows from counterbore1044 into the space between plunger 1022 and bore 1042 up into expansionchamber 1014. Fluid 1018 then expands in expansion chamber 1014 andexits outlet 1020 as a spray. Deformable element 1056 remains in thesecond orientation as long as it is out of the reference temperaturerange. For example, as long as deformable element 1056 is at atemperature equal to or greater than −20° C., it will remain in thesecond orientation, and fluid 1018 will continue to be dispensed fromoutlet 1020.

[0316] The temperature of deformable element 1056 is determined by heattransfer between fluid 1018 and deformable element 1056 and by heattransfer between deformable element 1056 and the environment outside ofdispenser body 1012, as is now described.

[0317] Operation of spray valve 1010 commences by placing container 1016with spray valve 1010 attached thereto in an environment whosetemperature is out of the reference temperature range. For example,container 1016 is placed in a room whose ambient temperature is greaterthan −20° C. Heat transfer (by conduction through the walls of dispenserbody 1012, and convection and radiation to the room environment) betweendeformable element 1056 and the environment eventually brings deformableelement 1056 out of the reference temperature range after a period oftime. In other words, in the above example, the heat transfer eventuallywarms deformable element 1056 from a temperature below −20° C. to atemperature greater than or equal to −20° C., whereupon deformableelement 1056 deforms to the second orientation, plunger 1022 slides tothe second position, fluid 1018 flows from container 1016 to expansionchamber 1014 and expands to a fluid spray that exits from fluid outlet1020, as described hereinabove.

[0318] While plunger 1022 is in the second position, fluid 1018 contactsdeformable element 1056 and thereby eventually brings deformable element1056 back into the reference temperature range. In other words, in theabove example, heat transfer between fluid 1018 and deformable element1056 cools deformable element 1056 from a temperature greater than orequal to −20° C. to a temperature below −20° C., such that deformableelement 1056 deforms from the second orientation back to the firstorientation and plunger 1022 slides back to the first position, therebypreventing fluid 1018 from exiting dispenser body 1012.

[0319] Eventually heat transfer between deformable element 1056 and theenvironment once again brings deformable element 1056 out of thereference temperature range, and the operating cycle repeats itself.

[0320] Thus spray valve 1010 cyclically dispenses fluid 1018 fromcontainer 1016. Various factors affect the frequency and time durationof dispensation, amount of fluid dispensed, the operative referencetemperature range, and time for deformable element 1056 to deformbetween the two orientations. These factors include, inter alia:

[0321] a. Size of plunger 1022 and any holes thereof (1046, 1048)through which fluid 1018 flows.

[0322] b. Size of outlet 1020.

[0323] c. Type of bimetallic material (or shape memory alloy, asdescribed below) from which deformable element 1056 is constructed, aswell as the size and thickness of deformable element 1056. The type ofmaterial affects the time for deformable element 1056 to deform betweenthe two orientations, temperature behavior of deformable element 1056,and force applied against plunger 1022.

[0324] d. Whether fluid 1018 flows on surface 1059 of deformable element1056 or on an opposite surface thereof (as is described hereinbelow). Iffluid 1018 flows on surface 1059, then the fluid pressure of fluid 1018retards the deformation of deformable element 1056 from the second tothe first orientation. Conversely, if fluid 1018 flows on a sideopposite to surface 1059, then the fluid pressure of fluid 1018 aids inpushing deformable element 1056 from the second to the firstorientation.

[0325] e. The physical and thermal properties of fluid 1018, as well asits pressure.

[0326] f. More than one deformable element 1056 may be used. Forexample, two or more deformable elements 1056 may be stacked togetherand used as one composite deformable element. The number of deformableelements 1056 governs the force that the deformable elements applyagainst plunger 1022. An assortment of deformable elements 1056 may beprovided with different thermal characteristics, mechanical propertiesor physical dimensions, in order to cover a wide range of applications.

[0327] g. Size of expansion chamber 1014.

[0328] h. Thermal properties of thermal insulation 1019.

[0329] It is noted that in the above example, deformable element 1056 iswarmed by the environment in order to dispense fluid 1018, and is cooledby fluid 1018 in order to stop dispensing fluid 1018. It is appreciatedthat the present invention can also be carried out for dispensing fluidswhich are hotter than the environment. In such a case, deformableelement 1056 is cooled by the environment in order to dispense fluid1018, and is warmed by fluid 1018 in order to stop dispensing fluid1018.

[0330] An alternative material for constructing deformable element 1056is a shape memory alloy, such as a nickel titanium alloy. Shape memoryalloys have the ability to return to a predetermined shape upon heatingvia a phase transformation between austenitic and martensiticstructures.

[0331] Reference is now made to FIGS. 41A and 41B, which illustrate aspray valve 1060 constructed and operative in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention, in respective closed andopen configurations. Spray valve 1060 is substantially constructed thesame as spray valve 1010, with like elements being designated by likenumerals. Spray valve 1060 differs from spray valve 1010 in that sprayvalve 1060 includes a channel 1062 which directs flow of fluid 1018against a surface 1064 of deformable element 1056 opposite surface 1059.Fluid 1018 still exits as a fluid spray from side outlet 1020. Asmentioned above, since fluid 1018 flows on surface 1064 opposite tosurface 1059, the fluid pressure of fluid 1018 aids in pushingdeformable element 1056 from the second to the first orientation.

[0332] Reference is now made to FIGS. 42A and 42B, which illustrate aspray valve 1070 constructed and operative in accordance with yetanother preferred embodiment of the present invention, in respectiveclosed and open configurations. Spray valve 1070 is substantiallyconstructed the same as spray valve 1060, with like elements beingdesignated by like numerals. Spray valve 1070 differs from spray valve1060 in that spray valve 1070 includes a channel 1072 which directs flowof fluid 1018 from surface 1064 of deformable element 1056 to an upperoutlet 1074, from which fluid 1018 exits as a spray.

[0333] Reference is now made to FIGS. 43A and 43B, which illustrate aspray valve 1080 constructed and operative in accordance with yetanother preferred embodiment of the present invention, in respectiveclosed and open configurations. Spray valve 1080 is substantiallyconstructed the same as spray valve 1010 or 1060, with like elementsbeing designated by like numerals. Spray valve 1080 differs from sprayvalve 1010 or 1060 in that in spray valve 1080, deformable element 1056is arranged with respect to expansion chamber 1014 such that expansionchamber 1014 extends around deformable element 1056 by means of a bypass1082. In this manner, in the second orientation, fluid 1018 flowsagainst both lower and upper surfaces 1059 and 1064 of deformableelement 1056. The fluid 1018 can exit from either a side outlet (asshown in FIGS. 43A and 43B) or as an upper outlet (as in the embodimentof FIGS. 42A and 42B).

[0334] It is noted that aerosol cans contain a pressurized liquid whichis dispensed as droplets or as a mist or gas. However, aerosol canscannot generally dispense a fluid which has already changed to gasinside the can. In the present invention, the presence of expansionchamber 1014 permits dispensing fluid 1018 even if fluid 1018 hasalready changed to a gaseous state.

[0335] It is be appreciated that many other arrangements of the internalcomponents of spray valves 1010, 1060, 1070 and 1080 are possible withinthe scope of the present invention.

[0336] Reference is now made to FIG. 44, which illustrates a valve 1090constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Valve 1090 can be employed in any kind of aerosolspray system, including the above described embodiments of the presentinvention, and is particularly useful in systems which spray apredetermined amount of substance or where a safety valve is required.Valve 1090 can be integrated with or replace the existing valve of thespray system.

[0337] Valve 1090 preferably includes a lower body 1092 with a narrowextension 1094. Extension 1094 is adapted to be fluid connected with afeed tube 1095 through which contents of a container 1096 can flow. Feedtube 1095 is preferably the feed tube shown and described hereinbelowwith reference to FIGS. 41A-41D, but alternatively any other kind offeed tube may be used. Body 1092 and extension 1094 are preferablyformed with a central bore 1098 which extends into a counterbore 1107.In the position shown in FIG. 44, a stopper 1106 is disposed at thebottom of counterbore 1107, thereby defining a volume 1108 betweenstopper 1106 and an upper end 1102 of counterbore 1107. A clearancepreferably exists between the outer perimeter of stopper 1106 and theinner perimeter of counterbore 1107, such that a portion of the contentsof container 1096 can flow from container 1096 around stopper 1106 andfill volume 1108.

[0338] An expansion chamber 1099 is preferably formed in an inner volumeof an upper body 1110, which preferably has a lower extension 1112 thatsnaps fixedly on lower body 1092. A soft elastomeric (e.g., rubber)washer 1105 may be placed between upper and lower bodies 1110 and 1092.Alternatively, lower and upper bodies 1092 and 1110 may be constructedas one unitary body, in which case there is no need for washer 1105.Deformable element 1056 is disposed in expansion chamber 1099. A plunger1100 is preferably attached to deformable element 1056, such as by meansof spot welding, for example. Plunger 1100, preferably non-hollow, isarranged to slide from an upper position shown in solid lines in FIG. 44to a lower position shown in dashed lines.

[0339] In the lower position, plunger 1100 preferably sealingly slidesinto an O-ring 1104 affixed at the upper end 1102 of counterbore 1107.

[0340] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, expansion chamber 1099 has a shape that conforms to thelimits of the deformed orientations of deformable element 1056.Expansion chamber 1099 preferably is formed with a hole 1099A, throughwhich passes plunger 1100. The conformal shape of expansion chamber 1099has several advantages:

[0341] a. The shape of expansion chamber 1099 permits placing a sprayoutlet 1101 at any angle or orientation in expansion chamber 1099,thereby enabling spraying contents of a container in any direction.

[0342] b. Any number of spray outlets 1101 of any combination of sizeand shape may be employed, through which the contents are sprayedessentially simultaneously. By controlling the number, size and shape ofthe outlets 1101, one can substantially prevent excess pressure build-upin expansion chamber 1099.

[0343] c. Because of the shape of expansion chamber 1099, the fluidcontents of the container flow both over and under deformable element1056 generally at the same time.

[0344] d. The conformal shape of expansion chamber 1099 has a smallvolume, thereby permitting spraying small dosages of the contents of thespray container.

[0345] e. The shape also prevents accumulation of any leftover matterthat did not completely exit the expansion chamber 1099 during theprevious spraying. Any leftover matter flows along the bottom ofexpansion chamber 1099, drains through hole 1099A and is sprayed duringthe next spraying.

[0346] f. The size of expansion chamber 1099 determines the quantity offluid 1103 that can be sprayed, and the amount of liquid droplets offluid 1103 that will be sprayed as opposed to gaseous matter. The largerthe chamber, the more room there is for fluid 1103 to expand, andconsequently less liquid droplets will be sprayed. Conversely, thesmaller the chamber, the more liquid droplets will be sprayed. Themaximum quantity of substance which can be sprayed at a time is aboutequal to volume 1108. However, it is preferable not to spray more thanvolume 1108 at a time, so that stopper 1106 will not become lodged inend 1102 of bore 1098.

[0347] Operation of valve 1090 is now described. Initially, a quantityof fluid 1103 has flowed from container 1096 through tube 1095 and bore1098 into volume 1108. When deformable element 1056 is in the upward(solid line) position of FIG. 44, the internal pressure of the contentsof container 1096 push upwards (in the sense of FIG. 44) against stopper1106 and force some of the fluid 1103 upwards from volume 1108 throughhole 1099A into expansion chamber 1099. Fluid 1103 expands in expansionchamber 1099 and exits as a spray through spray outlet or outlets 1101.Fluid 1103 flows around the ends of deformable element 1056, such thatfluid 1103 cools both sides of deformable element 1056. Once deformableelement 1056 has sufficiently cooled, it snaps to the lower (dashedline) position shown in FIG. 44. Plunger 1100 slides into O-ring 1104and seals the upper end 1102 of counterbore 1107. Stopper 1106 dropsback down by gravity to the bottom of counterbore 1107 and a freshportion of the contents of container 1096 flows upwards past stopper1106 and re-fills volume 1108. The re-filled volume 1108 is now readyfor the next spray.

[0348] Optionally, valve 1090 may be configured to be a one-way valve,i.e., a valve that prevents matter from flowing back into container1096. This may be accomplished by placing a small, preferably elastic,ball 1156 below stopper 1106. Ball 1156 can become lodged in a chamferedportion 1158 formed in bore 1098 at the throat of lower extension 1094.Ball 1156 does not interfere with flow of fluid 1103 from container 1096towards deformable element 1056 and chamber 1099, but does substantiallyprevent flow of fluid backwards towards container 1096.

[0349] Once again, it is to be emphasized that deformable element 1056is free to snap from one position to another without any clampingforces. This is because deformable element 1056 is not clamped, butrather freely supported. There is preferably an up-and-down gap 1183 (inthe sense of FIG. 44) and a radial gap 1185 between deformable element1056 and the inner surfaces of expansion chamber 1099. Radial gap 1185ensures that there are no radially-directed stresses acting upondeformable element 1056, and enables plunger 1100 to self-centerrelative to O-ring 1104 without any radially-directed forces acting upondeformable element 1056. The presence of gaps 1183 and 1185 relaxesmanufacturing tolerances and brings down manufacturing costs.

[0350] Generally only about half or less of the fluid 1103 in volume1108 is sprayed at a time. Various factors affect the frequency and timeduration of dispensation, amount of fluid dispensed, the operativereference temperature range, and time for deformable element 1056 todeform between the two orientations, as described hereinabove.

[0351] If any malfunction occurs and plunger 1100 does not closeproperly, the internal pressure of the contents of container 1096 willcontinue to force stopper 1106 upwards towards upper end 1102 of bore1098 such that stopper 1106 will become lodged in end 1102 of bore 1098,thereby substantially sealing upper end 1102 of bore 1098 and preventingfurther spraying of the contents. It is noted that in FIG. 44 stopper1106 is illustrated as having an upper protrusion 11 06A which abutsagainst upper end 1102. However, it is appreciated that stopper 1106could be flat and still seal against end 1102, because the internalpressure of the contents of container 1096 will maintain an upward forceagainst stopper 1106.

[0352] Thus, stopper 1106 acts as a safety valve which preventsundesirable over spraying of the contents. Stopper 1106 can preventleaking or overspraying due to a variety of malfunctions. For example,malfunctions can possibly occur due to: knocks or blows to the container1096, dropping the container, a gas leak, or the fluid inside thecontainer being spent. In all cases stopper 1106 will act as a safetyvalve because the internal pressure will maintain stopper 1106 sealedagainst end 1102. In addition, if spraying is performed with thecontainer in a horizontal or inverted position, stopper 1106 will alsosubstantially prevent spraying, because the internal pressure will againmaintain stopper 1106 sealed against end 1102.

[0353] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, an on-off switch 1177 can be provided next to deformableelement 1056. On-off switch 1177 may be simply constructed, for example,as a stem 1178 that slides in a bore 1179 formed in an upper portion ofupper body 1110. A pin 1180 preferably protrudes from a side of stem1178. Stem 1178 can be pushed against deformable element 1056 in thedirection of an arrow 1181 in FIG. 44, whereupon stem 1178 can be turnedapproximately a quarter-turn so that pin 1180 is received in a groove1182 formed in the upper portion of upper body 1110. Once on-off switch1177 is pushed against deformable element 1056, deformable element 1056cannot snap to the upper position of FIG. 44, and valve 1090 is thusswitched off. Conversely, the valve is turned on by removing pin 1180from groove 1182.

[0354] On-off switch 1177 can act as a manual reset for the stopper 1106as well. The action of pushing on-off switch 1177 downwards (in thesense of FIG. 44), without quarter-turning stem 1178, dislodges stopper1106 from the upper end 1102 of counterbore 1107. It is appreciated thatother on-off switches may also be employed.

[0355] It is noted that the embodiment of FIG. 44 is distinguished,inter alia, by its simple construction-deformable element 1056, lowerand upper bodies 1092 and 1110, plunger 1100, expansion chamber 1099,stopper 1106 and O-ring 1104 (and optionally washer 1105, ball 1156 andon-off switch 1177). The contents of the container flow directly todeformable element 1056 without any need for extraneous structure.

[0356] The fluid contents can be directed to flow from underneathdeformable element 1056 as shown and described hereinabove withreference to FIGS. 40A and 40B, or above deformable element 1056 asshown and described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 41A and 41B. Inother words, one can construct valve 1090 such that the flow of thecontents helps deformable element 1056 snap back to the closed position(i.e., flow from underneath deformable element 1056). Alternatively, onecan construct valve 1090 such that the flow of the contents retardsdeformable element 1056 from snapping back to the closed position (i.e.,flow from above deformable element 1056). As another alternative,deformable element 1056 can be formed with one or more holes throughwhich the contents can be sprayed. The contents can also flow arounddeformable element 1056.

[0357] In the case of the fluid contents being directed to flow fromunderneath deformable element 1056, the upward flow of the contentsapplies an upward force upon plunger 1100. This force aids in snappingdeformable element 1056 to the spray orientation, and shortens the timebetween sprayings. The smaller the cross-sectional area of plunger 1100,the smaller the force of the contents, and the longer time betweensprayings. This upward force can cause deformable element 1056 to snapto the spray orientation before deformable element 1056 has actuallyreached the temperature normally required for snapping (i.e., actuationtemperature). This allows using a deformable element with a slightlyhigher actuation temperature, which generally means cost savings,because the price of bimetallic discs generally decreases with higheractuation temperatures.

[0358] Reference is now made to FIGS. 45A and 45B, which illustrate aspray valve 1180 constructed and operative in accordance with stillanother preferred embodiment of the present invention. Spray valve 1180is constructed generally similarly to valve 1090, with like elementsbeing designated by like numerals. Spray valve 1180 employs a generallyrectangular deformable element 1182 either freely supported and placedbetween two halves 1184 and 1186 of an expansion chamber 1188, oralternatively, clamped around its perimeter by the two halves 1184 and1186, or further alternatively, clamped at only two ends thereof. It isgenerally the central area of deformable element 1182 which snaps fromone position to another.

[0359] A hole is preferably formed in the bottom of half 1186 forplunger 1100 to pass therethrough and for draining any leftover matterfrom previous sprayings. Deformable element 1182 is preferably formedwith one or more generally rectangular apertures 1190, through whichmatter can be sprayed. The matter can exit expansion chamber 1188through an upper spray outlet 1192, for example. Valve 1180 operates inthe same manner as the other valves of the present invention, describedhereinabove. It is appreciated that any abovementioned variations inconstruction, such as number and position of spray outlets, for example,can be incorporated in valve 1180 as well. Unlike circular bimetallicelements, the rectangular deformable element (bimetallic or shapememory) is not sensitive to slight misalignments or variations in size,and does not accidentally reverse its movement under the influence ofall-around clamping.

[0360] Reference is now made to FIGS. 45C-45F which illustrate a sprayvalve 1194 constructed and operative in accordance with yet anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention. Spray valve 1194 isconstructed generally similarly to valve 1180, with like elements beingdesignated by like numerals. Spray valve 1194 employs a generallyrectangular deformable element 1196 with short ends 1198 which may bebent. Deformable element 1196 is preferably freely supported in anexpansion chamber 1137. There is preferably a gap 1135 between shortends 1198 and an inner surface of expansion chamber 1137.

[0361] In FIG. 45C, deformable element 1196 is bent upwards, in thesense of the figure. As deformable element 1196 starts to snapdownwards, the short ends 1198 move outwards in the direction of arrows1127 and abut against inner surfaces of expansion chamber 1137, as seenin FIG. 45E. Once deformable element 1196 snaps downwards to theposition shown in FIG. 45F, there is again a gap 1135 between short ends1198 and an inner surface of expansion chamber 1137.

[0362] Many aerosol cans contain liquid and gaseous contents which mustbe shaken before spraying in order to mix these contents properly.Unfortunately, sometimes users forget to shake the contents, and in somespraying systems, it is inconvenient or impossible (such as in automaticspray dispensers) to shake the contents before each spray. The presentinvention enables spraying such contents without any need for shaking asis now described.

[0363] Reference is now made to FIGS. 46A, 46B and 46C which illustratea tube 1122 useful for spray apparatus, constructed and operative inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Tube1122 preferably has a lower open end 1124 in fluid communication withcontents of a spray container 1128. Lower open end 1124 may be at thetip of tube 1122, or alternatively may be on a side wall of tube 1122.Lower open end 1124 may be weighted, if desired, so that open end 1124gravitates towards the lowest part of container 1128, irrespectiveof-the angle at which container 1128 is positioned.

[0364] Spray container 1128 may be any kind of spray container of thepresent invention or of the art, and the upper end of tube 1122 may beconnected to any kind of spray nozzle (not shown) of the presentinvention or of the art, including the safety valve of FIG. 44. Thecontents of container 1128 preferably include a first substance 1126,which generally remains in a fluid (liquid or gaseous) state incontainer 1128, and a second substance 1117 which preferably comprises aliquid portion 1132 and a gaseous portion 1133. Gaseous portion 1133maintains a generally constant pressure on liquid portion 1132 and firstsubstance 1126. It is this pressure which pushes the contents ofcontainer 1128 out through tube 1122 for spraying, as will be describedhereinbelow. In many spraying applications, it is preferable that thefirst substance 1126 and liquid portion 1132 be mixed prior to beingsprayed. Tube 1122 mixes the two substances 1126 and 1117 as isdescribed hereinbelow.

[0365] It is noted that the present invention is also applicable forspraying fine, solid particles as well. Thus, first substance 1126 canalso comprise a solid material, such as a sprayable powder. Secondsubstance 1117 does not necessarily have to include both a liquidportion 1132 and a gaseous portion 1133, but rather can be either liquidalone or gas alone.

[0366] Tube 1122 is preferably formed with one or more side apertures ofany size or shape. In the illustrated embodiment, there are threeapertures, designated 1130A, 1130B and 1130C, although it is appreciatedthat any number of apertures may be formed in tube 1122. (Tube 1122 mayalternatively or additionally be provided with one or more gas intakeapertures 1139 to perform functions described further hereinbelow withreference to FIG. 46D.) FIG. 46A shows spray container 1128 filled withliquid portion 1132 above first substance 1126, and gaseous portion 1133above liquid portion 1132. It is seen that liquid portion 1132 is influid communication with the upper aperture 1130A. When the spray nozzleis opened for spraying, the internal pressure of container 1128, i.e.,the downward pressure supplied by gaseous portion 1133, forces the firstsubstance 1126 into the open end 1124. As first substance 1126 rises intube 1122, liquid portion 1132 can enter the upper aperture 1130A andmix with first substance 1126 as it flows upwards in tube 1122. In thismanner, the two substances are mixed prior to being sprayed, without anyneed for shaking the contents of container 1128.

[0367] In FIGS. 46B and 46C, a sufficient amount of the contents havebeen sprayed such that spray container 1128 is now partially full ornearly empty, respectively. Liquid portion 1132 is now in fluidcommunication with the middle aperture 1130B or lower aperture 1130C,respectively. Once again, when the spray nozzle is opened for spraying,the downward pressure supplied by gaseous portion 1133 forces firstsubstance 1126 into the open end 1124. As first substance 1126 rises intube 1122, liquid portion 1132 can enter the middle or lower aperture1130B or 1130C, respectively, and mix with first substance 1126 as itflows upwards in tube 1122. The two substances are mixed prior to beingsprayed, without any need for shaking the contents of container 1128.

[0368] It is noted that in FIG. 46B, gaseous portion 1133 enters theupper aperture 1130A and mixes with first substance 1126 and liquidportion 1132. In FIG. 46C, gaseous portion 1133 enters the upper andmiddle apertures 1130A and 11301B and mixes with first substance 1126and liquid portion 1132. In each case, the added ingredient of gaseousportion 1133 slightly changes the proportion of first substance to thesecond substance. Although the change in proportion is generallynegligible, nevertheless it can be minimized by varying the relativesizes of the lower, middle and upper apertures 1130A, 1130B and 1130C.In general, the amount of gaseous portion 1133 which enters tube 1122and mixes with first substance 1126 and liquid portion 1132, is mostly afunction of the inner diameter of tube 1122 and the sizes of apertures1130, rather than the number of apertures 1130.

[0369] In summary, it is possible to have small, although for mostapplications negligible, differences in the ratio of first substance tosecond substance as the contents are emptied from container 1128. Thefactors which affect the mixing ratio of first substance 1126 and liquidportion 1132 include, inter alia, initial ratio of first to secondsubstance, properties of first and second substances 1126 and 1117, theamount of gaseous portion 1133 left as the contents of container 1128are emptied, diameter, shape or size of the side apertures 1130 andtheir relative position to each other, internal pressure of thecontainer, and the spray time, i.e., the amount of time the contents aresprayed.

[0370] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 46D, tube 1122 may have one or moreapertures 1139 formed at an upper end thereof which are in fluidcommunication with gaseous portion 1133 at all times, and are not influid communication with first substance 1126 nor liquid portion 1132.In this manner, each time the contents of container 1128 are sprayed,first substance 1126 flows up through tube 1122 and mixes only withgaseous portion 1133, thereby maintaining a constant ratio of themixture of first substance 1126 and second substance 1117 (in the formof gaseous portion 1133), no matter whether the container 1128 is fullor not.

[0371] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that thepresent invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove.

1. A dispenser for attachment to a container containing a fluid,comprising: an actuator operative to allow said fluid to be releasedfrom said container into said dispenser; and an intermittent dispensingassembly that provides an intermittent fluid output, said intermittentdispensing assembly comprising a temperature responsive shiftingelement, said temperature responsive shifting element being shiftable inresponse to temperature changes in said dispenser and being generallyfreely supported around a perimeter thereof in said dispenser.
 2. Adispenser according to claim 1 and wherein said shifting elementcomprises a bimetallic element having first and second operativeorientations depending on the temperature thereof.
 3. A dispenseraccording to claim 2 and wherein said bimetallic element comprises abimetallic disc.
 4. A dispenser according to claim 1 and wherein saidintermittent dispensing assembly comprises a plunger movable in responseto shifting of said shifting element.
 5. A dispenser according to claim4 and wherein said plunger is loosely mounted onto said shiftingelement.
 6. A dispenser according to claim 4 wherein said plunger iswelded to said shifting element.
 7. A dispenser according to claim 4wherein said plunger is integrally formed with said shifting element. 8.A dispenser according to claim 4 and wherein said plunger is engaged bya biasing spring element.
 9. A dispenser according to claim 8 andwherein said biasing spring element comprises a spiral spring.
 10. Adispenser according to claim 8 and wherein said biasing spring elementcomprises a helical spring.
 11. A dispenser according to claim 8 andwherein said biasing spring element comprises a leaf spring.
 12. Adispenser according to claim 8 and wherein said biasing spring comprisesa folded over spring.
 13. A dispenser according to claim 1 and whereinsaid intermittent dispensing assembly also comprises a screw biased by arotatably adjustable knob.
 14. A dispenser according to claim 13 andwherein said rotatably adjustable knob is operative to select a timeinterval between sprays.
 15. A dispenser according to claim 13 andwherein said rotatably adjustable knob is operative to select a sprayinitiation temperature.
 16. A dispenser according to claim 4 and alsoincluding a spray release valve.
 17. A dispenser according to claim 16and wherein said plunger engages a ball of said spray release valve. 18.A dispenser according to claim 16 and wherein said plunger comprises apin for engaging said spray release valve.
 19. A dispenser according toclaim 1 and wherein said dispenser comprises a plurality of radiallydistributed inward facing resilient prongs for resiliently engaging saidcontainer.
 20. A dispenser according to claim 19 and wherein said prongsare provided with legs for engaging said container so as to preventremoval of said dispenser from said container.
 21. A dispenser accordingto claim 20 and wherein said prongs engage said container at a locationadjacent to a portion of a cover of a container opening valve of saidcontainer.
 22. A dispenser according to claim 21 and wherein saidlocation is on an outwardly protruding portion of said cover forengaging inwardly facing legs of said prongs.
 23. A dispenser accordingto claim 1 and wherein said dispenser engages said container in aringless engagement.
 24. A dispenser according to claim 1 and whereinsaid dispenser comprises a fastening element resiliently engaging saidcontainer.
 25. A dispenser according to claim 1 and also comprising atleast one spray nozzle.
 26. A dispenser according to claim 1 and whereinsaid dispenser is formed with a recess on a bottom portion thereof. 27.A dispenser according to claim 26 and wherein said recess engages adischarge orifice element of a container opening valve of saidcontainer.
 28. A dispenser according to claim 1 and wherein saidintermittent dispensing assembly also comprises a temperature dependentbiasing force application functionality.
 29. A dispenser according toclaim 28 and wherein said temperature dependent biasing forceapplication functionality comprises an ambient temperature sensorresponsive to changes in ambient temperature outside said dispenser soas to selectively bias said shifting element.
 30. A dispenser accordingto claim 29 and wherein said ambient temperature sensor comprises abimetallic coil element.
 31. A dispenser according to claim 29 andwherein said ambient temperature sensor does not communicate with saidfluid.
 32. A dispenser according to claim 29 and also comprising arotatable cam fixedly mounted onto a shaft rotatable by said ambienttemperature sensor.
 33. A dispenser according to claim 1 and wherein arotatable cam applies a biasing force to a biasing spring element.
 34. Adispenser according to claim 33 and wherein said biasing force increasesas ambient temperature outside said dispenser is lowered and decreasesas said temperature rises.
 35. A dispenser according to claim 34 andwherein said biasing force is minimized when said temperature is below aminimum operation temperature.
 36. A dispenser according to claim 34 andwherein said biasing force is minimized when said temperature is above amaximum operation temperature.
 37. A dispenser according to claim 36 andwherein said temperature above said maximum operation temperature isbelow a shift actuating temperature of said shifting element.
 38. Adispenser according to claim 33 and wherein said rotatable cam has athickness such that said rotatable cam applies a suitable biasing forceto said shifting element via said biasing spring element so as todispense said fluid substantially within a uniform selected timeinterval between sprays.
 39. A dispenser according to claim 33 andwherein said rotatable cam has a thickness sufficiently small such thatsaid rotatable cam provides a sufficiently low-biasing force to saidshifting element so as to minimize shifting of said shifting element.40. A dispenser according to claim 1 and wherein said shifting elementis loosely mounted within said dispenser.
 41. A dispenser according toclaim 1 and wherein said shifting element is seated in an annular recessin said dispenser.
 42. A dispenser according to claim 1 and wherein saiddispenser comprises a volume surrounding said shifting element and beingformed with inclined walls on a bottom portion thereof.
 43. A dispenseraccording to claim 1 and wherein at least part of said fluid passesaround said shifting element via passageways formed in said dispenser.44. A dispenser according to claim 1 and wherein a volume overlying saidshifting element allows for enhanced dissipation of said fluid andthereby reduces incidence of liquid droplets in said fluid exiting saiddispenser.
 45. A dispenser according to claim 1 and wherein saiddispenser defines an internal volume so as to relatively thermallyisolate said intermittent dispensing assembly from the ambient outsidesaid dispenser.
 46. A dispenser according to claim 1 and wherein saidfluid is dispensed as an aerosol.
 47. A dispenser according to claim 1and wherein said fluid is dispensed as a dissipated aerosol.
 48. Adispenser according to claim 1 and wherein said fluid comprises adeodorant.
 49. A dispenser according to claim 1 and wherein said fluidcomprises an insecticide.
 50. A dispenser according to claim 1 and alsocomprising a flow prevention element.
 51. A fluid dispensing systemcomprising: a container containing a fluid; and a dispenser forreceiving said fluid via an opening in said container and comprising anintermittent dispensing assembly that provides an intermittent fluidoutput, said intermittent dispensing assembly comprising a temperatureresponsive shifting element, said temperature responsive shiftingelement being shiftable in response to temperature changes in saiddispenser and being generally freely supported around a perimeterthereof in said dispenser.
 52. A dispenser according to claim 51 andwherein said shifting element comprises a bimetallic element havingfirst and second operative orientations depending on the temperaturethereof.
 53. A dispenser according to claim 52 and wherein saidbimetallic element comprises a bimetallic disc.
 54. A dispenseraccording to claim 51 and wherein said intermittent dispensing assemblycomprises a plunger, movable in response to shifting of said shiftingelement.
 55. A dispenser according to claim 54 and wherein said plungeris loosely mounted onto said shifting element.
 56. A dispenser accordingto claim 54 wherein said plunger is welded to said shifting element. 57.A dispenser according to claim 54 wherein said plunger is integrallyformed with said shifting element.
 58. A dispenser according to claim 54and wherein said plunger is engaged by a biasing spring element.
 59. Adispenser according to claim 58 and wherein said biasing spring elementcomprises a spiral spring.
 60. A dispenser according to claim 58 andwherein said biasing spring element comprises a helical spring.
 61. Adispenser according to claim 58 and wherein said biasing spring elementcomprises a leaf spring.
 62. A dispenser according to claim 58 andwherein said biasing spring element comprises a folded over spring. 63.A dispenser according to claim 51 and wherein said intermittentdispensing assembly also comprises a screw biased by a rotatablyadjustable knob.
 64. A dispenser according to claim 63 and wherein saidrotatably adjustable knob is operative to select a time interval betweensprays.
 65. A dispenser according to claim 63 and wherein said rotatablyadjustable knob is operative to select a spray initiation temperature.66. A dispenser according to claim 54 and also including a spray releasevalve.
 67. A dispenser according to claim 66 and wherein said plungerengages a ball of said spray release valve.
 68. A dispenser according toclaim 66 and wherein said plunger comprises a pin for engaging saidspray release valve.
 69. A dispenser according to claim 51 and whereinsaid dispenser comprises a plurality of radially distributed inwardfacing resilient prongs for resiliently engaging said container.
 70. Adispenser according to claim 69 and wherein said prongs are providedwith legs for engaging said container so as to prevent removal of saiddispenser from said container.
 71. A dispenser according to claim 70 andwherein said prongs engage said container at a location adjacent to aportion of a cover of a container opening valve of said container.
 72. Adispenser according to claim 71 and wherein said location is on anoutwardly protruding portion of said cover for engaging inwardly facinglegs of said prongs.
 73. A dispenser according to claim 51 and whereinsaid dispenser engages said container in a ringless engagement.
 74. Adispenser according to claim 51 and also comprising at least one spraynozzle.
 75. A dispenser according to claim 51 and wherein said dispensercomprises a fluid passageway connected to a dip tube of said container.76. A dispenser according to claim 58 and wherein said biasing springelement applies a fixed force to said plunger.
 77. A dispenser accordingto claim 58 and wherein said biasing spring element applies a variableforce to said plunger.
 78. A dispenser according to claim 51 and alsocomprising a temperature dependent biasing force applicationfunctionality.
 79. A dispenser according to claim 78 and wherein saidtemperature dependent biasing force application functionality comprisesan ambient temperature sensor responsive to changes in ambienttemperature outside said dispenser so as to selectively bias saidshifting element.
 80. A dispenser according to claim 79 and wherein saidambient temperature sensor comprises a bimetallic coil element.
 81. Adispenser according to claim 79 and wherein said ambient temperaturesensor does not communicate with said fluid.
 82. A dispenser accordingto claim 79 and also comprising a rotatable cam fixedly mounted onto ashaft rotatable by said ambient temperature sensor.
 83. A dispenseraccording to claim 79 and wherein said rotatable cam applies a biasingforce to a biasing spring element.
 84. A dispenser according to claim 83and wherein said biasing force increases as ambient temperature outsidesaid dispenser is lowered and decreases as said temperature rises.
 85. Adispenser according to claim 84 and wherein said biasing force isminimized when said temperature is below a minimum operationtemperature.
 86. A dispenser according to claim 84 and wherein saidbiasing force is minimized when said temperature is above a maximumoperation temperature.
 87. A dispenser according to claim 86 and whereinsaid temperature above said maximum operation temperature is below ashift actuating temperature of said shifting element.
 88. A dispenseraccording to claim 83 and wherein said rotatable cam has a thicknesssuch that said rotatable cam applies a suitable biasing force to saidshifting element via said biasing spring element so as to dispense saidfluid substantially within a uniform selected time interval betweensprays.
 89. A dispenser according to claim 83 and wherein said rotatablecam has a thickness sufficiently small such that said rotatable camprovides a sufficiently low biasing force to said shifting element so asto minimize shifting of said shifting element.
 90. A dispenser accordingto claim 51 and wherein said shifting element is loosely mounted withinsaid dispenser.
 91. A dispenser according to claim 51 and wherein saidshifting element is seated in an annular recess in said dispenser.
 92. Adispenser according to claim 51 and wherein said dispenser comprises avolume surrounding said shifting element which is formed with inclinedwalls on a bottom portion thereof.
 93. A dispenser according to claim 51and wherein at least part of said fluid passes around said shiftingelement via passageways formed in said dispenser.
 94. A dispenseraccording to claim 51 and wherein a volume overlying said shiftingelement allows for enhanced dissipation of said fluid and therebyreduces incidence of liquid droplets in said fluid exiting saiddispenser.
 95. A dispenser according to claim 51 and wherein saiddispenser defines an internal volume so as to relatively thermallyisolate said intermittent dispensing assembly from the ambient outsidesaid dispenser.
 96. A dispenser according to claim 51 and wherein saidfluid is dispensed as an aerosol.
 97. A dispenser according to claim 51and wherein said fluid is dispensed as a dissipated aerosol.
 98. Adispenser according to claim 51 and wherein said fluid comprises adeodorant.
 99. A dispenser according to claim 51 and wherein said fluidcomprises an insecticide.
 100. A dispenser according to claim 51 andalso comprising a flow prevention element.
 101. A dispenser forattachment to a container having a container opening valve andcontaining a fluid, comprising: an actuator for keeping said containeropening valve in a substantially open position so as to allow said fluidto pass into said dispenser; and an intermittent dispensing valve thatprovides an intermittent fluid output, said intermittent dispensingvalve comprising a temperature responsive valve control element which isresponsive to temperature changes resulting from dispensed fluid, saidtemperature responsive valve control element being generally freelysupported around a perimeter thereof in said dispenser.
 102. A dispenseraccording to claim 101 and wherein said control element comprises abimetallic element having first and second operative orientationsdepending on the temperature thereof.
 103. A dispenser according toclaim 102 and wherein said bimetallic element comprises a bimetallicdisc.
 104. A dispenser according to claim 101 and wherein saidintermittent dispensing valve comprises a plunger movable in response toshifting of said control element.
 105. A dispenser according to claim104 and wherein said plunger is loosely mounted onto said controlelement.
 106. A dispenser according to claim 104 wherein said plunger iswelded to said control element.
 107. A dispenser according to claim 104wherein said plunger is integrally formed with said control element.108. A dispenser according to claim 104 and wherein said plunger isengaged by a biasing spring element.
 109. A dispenser according to claim108 and wherein said biasing spring element comprises a spiral spring.110. A dispenser according to claim 108 and wherein said biasing springelement comprises a helical spring.
 111. A dispenser according to claim108 and wherein said biasing spring element comprises a leaf spring.112. A dispenser according to claim 108 and wherein said biasing springelement comprises a folded over spring.
 113. A dispenser according toclaim 104 and wherein said plunger engages a ball of said intermittentdispensing valve.
 114. A dispenser according to claim 104 and whereinsaid plunger comprises a pin for engaging said intermittent dispensingvalve.
 115. A dispenser according to claim 101 and also comprising ascrew biased by a rotatably adjustable knob.
 116. A dispenser accordingto claim 115 and wherein said rotatably adjustable knob is operative toselect a time interval between sprays.
 117. A dispenser according toclaim 115 and wherein said rotatably adjustable knob is operative toselect a spray initiation temperature.
 118. A dispenser according toclaim 101 and wherein said dispenser comprises a fastening elementresiliently engaging said container.
 119. A dispenser according to claim101 and wherein said dispenser comprises a plurality of radiallydistributed inward facing resilient prongs for resiliently engaging saidcontainer.
 120. A dispenser according to claim 119 and wherein saidprongs are provided with legs for engaging said container so as toprevent removal of said dispenser from said container.
 121. A dispenseraccording to claim 120 and wherein said prongs engage said container ata location adjacent to a portion of a cover of said container openingvalve.
 122. A dispenser according to claim 121 and wherein said locationis on an outwardly protruding portion of said cover for engaginginwardly facing legs of said prongs.
 123. A dispenser according to claim101 and wherein said dispenser engages said container in a ringlessengagement.
 124. A dispenser according to claim 101 and also comprisingat least one spray nozzle.
 125. A dispenser according to claim 101 andwherein said dispenser is formed with a recess on a bottom portionthereof.
 126. A dispenser according to claim 125 and wherein said recessengages a discharge orifice element of said container opening valve.127. A dispenser according to claim 126 wherein said recess accommodatesat least one removable mounting element configured to engage saiddischarge orifice element.
 128. A dispenser according to claim 101 andalso comprising a temperature dependent biasing force applicationfunctionality.
 129. A dispenser according to claim 128 and wherein saidtemperature dependent biasing force application functionality comprisesan ambient temperature sensor responsive to changes in ambienttemperature outside said dispenser so as to selectively bias saidcontrol element.
 130. A dispenser according to claim 129 and whereinsaid ambient temperature sensor comprises a bimetallic coil element.131. A dispenser according to claim 129 and wherein said ambienttemperature sensor does not communicate with said fluid.
 132. Adispenser according to claim 129 and also comprising a rotatable camfixedly mounted onto a shaft rotatable by said ambient temperaturesensor.
 133. A dispenser according to claim 101 and wherein a rotatablecam applies a biasing force to a biasing spring element.
 134. Adispenser according to claim 133 and wherein said biasing forceincreases as ambient temperature outside said dispenser is lowered anddecreases as said temperature rises.
 135. A dispenser according to claim134 and wherein said biasing force is minimized when said temperature isbelow a minimum operation temperature.
 136. A dispenser according toclaim 134 and wherein said biasing force is minimized when saidtemperature is above a maximum operation temperature.
 137. A dispenseraccording to claim 136 and wherein said temperature above said maximumoperation temperature is below a shift actuating temperature of saidcontrol element.
 138. A dispenser according to claim 133 and whereinsaid rotatable cam has a thickness such that said rotatable cam appliesa suitable biasing force to said control element via said biasing springelement so as to dispense said fluid substantially within a uniformselected time interval between sprays.
 139. A dispenser according toclaim 133 and wherein said rotatable cam has a thickness sufficientlysmall such that said rotatable cam provides a sufficiently low biasingforce to said control element so as to minimize shifting of said controlelement.
 140. A dispenser according to claim 101 and wherein saidcontrol element is seated in an annular recess in said dispenser.
 141. Adispenser according to claim 101 and wherein said control element isloosely mounted within said dispenser.
 142. A dispenser according toclaim 101 and wherein said dispenser comprises a volume surrounding saidcontrol element, said volume being formed with inclined walls on abottom portion thereof.
 143. A dispenser according to claim 101 andwherein at least part of said fluid passes around said control elementvia passageways formed in said dispenser.
 144. A dispenser according toclaim 101 and wherein a volume overlying said control element allows forenhanced dissipation of said fluid and thereby reduces incidence ofliquid droplets in said fluid exiting said dispenser.
 145. A dispenseraccording to claim 101 and wherein said dispenser defines an internalvolume so as to relatively thermally isolate said intermittentdispensing valve from the ambient outside said dispenser.
 146. Adispenser according to claim 101 and wherein said fluid is dispensed asan aerosol.
 147. A dispenser according to claim 101 and wherein saidfluid is dispensed as a dissipated aerosol.
 148. A dispenser accordingto claim 101 and wherein said fluid comprises a deodorant.
 149. Adispenser according to claim 101 and wherein-said fluid comprises aninsecticide.
 150. A dispenser according to claim 101 and also comprisinga flow prevention element.
 151. A dispenser for resilient attachment toa container containing a fluid for intermittently dispensing said fluid,comprising prongs for attachment to said container at a locationadjacent to a portion of a cover of a: container opening valve of saidcontainer.
 152. A dispenser according to claim 151 and wherein saidattachment is a ringless attachment.
 153. A method for dispensing afluid from a container comprising: attaching a dispenser to saidcontainer, said dispenser comprising an actuator so as to allow saidfluid to be released into said dispenser; and automaticallyintermittently dispensing said fluid from said dispenser using anintermittent dispensing assembly comprising a temperature responsiveshifting element, said temperature responsive shifting element beingshiftable in response to temperature changes in said dispenser and beinggenerally freely supported around a perimeter thereof in said dispenser.154. A method for dispensing a fluid according to claim 153 and whereinsaid shifting element has first and second operative orientationsdepending on the temperature thereof.
 155. A method for dispensing afluid according to claim 153 and wherein said attaching said dispenserto said container comprises engaging said container with a fasteningelement.
 156. A method for dispensing a fluid according to claim 153 andwherein said attaching said dispenser to said container comprisesresiliently engaging said container with a plurality of radiallydistributed inward facing resilient prongs.
 157. A method for dispensinga fluid according to claim 153 and wherein said intermittentlydispensing comprises dispensing said fluid via at least one spraynozzle.
 158. A method for dispensing a fluid according to claim 153 andalso comprising selectively biasing said shifting element by an ambienttemperature sensor.
 159. A method for dispensing a fluid according toclaim 153 and wherein said intermittently dispensing comprises opening aspray release valve of said dispenser so as to dispense said fluid. 160.A method for dispensing a fluid according to claim 153 and wherein saidintermittently dispensing comprises retaining a portion of said fluid,and subsequently releasing said portion of said fluid.
 161. A method fordispensing a fluid according to claim 153 and wherein saidintermittently dispensing comprises passing at least part of said fluidaround said shifting element, via passageways formed in said dispenser.162. A method for dispensing a fluid according to claim 157 and whereinsaid intermittently dispensing comprises producing enhanced dissipationin a relatively large volume overlying said shifting element andreducing incidence of liquid droplets in said fluid exiting said atleast one spray nozzle.
 163. A method for dispensing a fluid accordingto claim 153 and wherein said intermittently dispensing comprisesdispensing said fluid substantially within a uniform selected timeinterval between sprays.
 164. A method for dispensing a fluid accordingto claim 153 and wherein said intermittently dispensing comprisesdispensing said fluid substantially at a selected spray initiationtemperature.
 165. A method for dispensing a fluid according to claim 153and wherein said intermittently dispensing comprises dispensing saidfluid as an aerosol.
 166. A method for dispensing a fluid according toclaim 153 and wherein said intermittently dispensing comprisesdispensing said fluid as a dissipated aerosol.
 167. A method fordispensing a fluid according to claim 153 and wherein saidintermittently dispensing comprises dispensing a deodorant.
 168. Amethod for dispensing a fluid according to claim 153 and wherein saidintermittently dispensing comprises dispensing an insecticide.
 169. Amethod for dispensing a fluid according to claim 154 and wherein saidshifting element shifts to said first operative orientation in responseto cooling of said shifting element by dispensed fluid.
 170. A methodfor dispensing a fluid according to claim 154 and wherein said shiftingelement shifts to said second operative orientation in response towarming of said shifting element by the ambient outside said dispenser.171. A method for dispensing a fluid according to claim 153 and alsocomprising positioning a flow prevention element of said dispenser toallow said fluid to be released into said dispenser.
 172. A method fordispensing a fluid from a container comprising: providing a containerwith a container opening; attaching a dispenser to said container forreceiving said fluid from said container; and automaticallyintermittently dispensing said fluid from said dispenser using anintermittent dispensing assembly comprising a temperature responsiveshifting element, said temperature responsive shifting element beingshiftable in response to temperature changes in said dispenser and beinggenerally freely supported around a perimeter thereof in said dispenser.173. A method for dispensing a fluid according to claim 172 and whereinsaid shifting element has first and second operative orientationsdepending on the temperature thereof.
 174. A method for dispensing afluid according to claim 172 and wherein said attaching said dispenserto said container comprises engaging said container with an extensionextending from said dispenser.
 175. A method for dispensing a fluidaccording to claim 172 and wherein said intermittently dispensingcomprises dispensing said fluid via at least one spray nozzle.
 176. Amethod for dispensing a fluid according to claim 172 and also comprisingselectively biasing said shifting element by an ambient temperaturesensor.
 177. A method for dispensing a fluid according to claim 172 andwherein said intermittently dispensing comprises opening a spray releasevalve of said dispenser so as to dispense said fluid.
 178. A method fordispensing a fluid according to claim 172 and wherein saidintermittently dispensing comprises retaining a portion of said fluid,and subsequently releasing said portion of said fluid.
 179. A method fordispensing a fluid according to claim 172 and wherein saidintermittently dispensing comprises passing at least part of said fluidaround said shifting element, via passageways formed in said dispenser.180. A method for dispensing a fluid according to claim 175 and whereinsaid intermittently dispensing comprises producing enhanced dissipationin a relatively large volume overlying said shifting element andreducing incidence of liquid droplets in said fluid exiting said atleast one spray nozzle.
 181. A method for dispensing a fluid accordingto claim 172 and wherein said intermittently dispensing comprisesdispensing said fluid substantially within a uniform selected timeinterval between sprays.
 182. A method for dispensing a fluid accordingto claim 172 and wherein said intermittently dispensing comprisesdispensing said fluid substantially at a selected-spray initiationtemperature.
 183. A method for dispensing a fluid according to claim 172and wherein said intermittently dispensing comprises dispensing saidfluid as an aerosol.
 184. A method for dispensing a fluid according toclaim 172 and wherein said intermittently dispensing comprisesdispensing said fluid as a dissipated aerosol.
 185. A method fordispensing a fluid according to claim 172 and wherein saidintermittently dispensing comprises dispensing a deodorant.
 186. Amethod for dispensing a fluid according to claim 172 and wherein saidintermittently dispensing comprises dispensing an insecticide.
 187. Amethod for dispensing a fluid according to claim 173 and wherein saidshifting element shifts to said first operative orientation in responseto cooling of said shifting element by dispensed fluid.
 188. A methodfor dispensing a fluid according to claim 173 and wherein said shiftingelement shifts to said second operative orientation in response towarming of said shifting element by the ambient outside said dispenser.189. A method for dispensing a fluid according to claim 172 and alsocomprising positioning a flow prevention element of said dispenser toallow said fluid to be released into said dispenser.
 190. Biasingfunctionality for a dispenser intermittently dispensing a fluid inresponse to temperature changes, comprising: a plunger; a temperatureresponsive shifting element being shiftable in response to temperaturechanges and mounted on said plunger; and a spring biasing elementengaging said plunger so as to cause said shifting element to shiftsubstantially at a selected temperature.
 191. Biasing functionalityaccording to claim 190 and wherein said shifting element comprises abimetallic element having first and second operative orientationsdepending on the temperature thereof.
 192. Biasing functionalityaccording to claim 191 and wherein said bimetallic element comprises abimetallic disc.
 193. Biasing functionality according to claim 190 andwherein said plunger is loosely mounted onto said shifting element. 194.Biasing functionality according to claim 190 wherein said plunger iswelded to said shifting element.
 195. Biasing functionality according toclaim 190 wherein said plunger is integrally formed with said shiftingelement.
 196. Biasing functionality according to claim 190 and whereinsaid biasing spring element comprises a spiral spring.
 197. Biasingfunctionality according to claim 190 and wherein said biasing springelement comprises a helical spring.
 198. Biasing functionality accordingto claim 190 and wherein said biasing spring element comprises a leafspring.
 199. Biasing functionality according to claim 190 and whereinsaid biasing spring comprises a folded over spring.
 200. Biasingfunctionality according to claim 190 and also comprising a screw biasedby a rotatably adjustable knob and cooperating with said spring biasingelement.
 201. Biasing functionality according to claim 190 and whereinsaid biasing spring applies a fixed force to said plunger.
 202. Biasingfunctionality according to claim 190 and wherein said biasing springapplies a variable force to said plunger.
 203. Biasing functionalityaccording to claim 200 and wherein said rotatably adjustable knob isoperative to select a time interval between sprays.
 204. Biasingfunctionality according to claim 200 and wherein said rotatablyadjustable knob is operative to select a spray initiation temperature.205. Biasing functionality according to claim 190 and also comprisingtemperature dependent biasing force application functionality. 206.Biasing functionality according to claim 205 and wherein saidtemperature dependent biasing force application functionality comprisesan ambient temperature sensor responsive to changes in ambienttemperature outside said dispenser so as to selectively bias saidshifting element.
 207. Biasing functionality according to claim 206 andwherein said ambient temperature sensor comprises a bimetallic coilelement.
 208. Biasing functionality according to claim 206 and whereinsaid ambient temperature sensor does not communicate with said fluid.209. Biasing functionality according to claim 206 and also comprising arotatable cam fixedly mounted onto a shaft rotatable by said ambienttemperature sensor.
 210. Biasing functionality according to claim 200and wherein a rotatable cam operated by said knob applies a biasingforce to said biasing spring element.
 211. Biasing functionalityaccording to claim 210 and wherein said biasing force increases asambient temperature outside said dispenser is lowered and decreases assaid temperature rises.
 212. Biasing functionality according to claim211 and wherein said biasing force is minimized when said temperature isbelow a minimum operation temperature.
 213. Biasing functionalityaccording to claim 211 and wherein said biasing force is minimized whensaid temperature is above a maximum operation temperature.
 214. Biasingfunctionality according to claim 213 and wherein said temperature abovesaid maximum operation temperature is below a shift actuatingtemperature of said shifting element.
 215. Biasing functionalityaccording to claim 210 and wherein said rotatable cam has a thicknesssuch that said rotatable cam applies a suitable biasing force to saidshifting element via said biasing spring element so as to dispense saidfluid substantially within a uniform selected time interval betweensprays.
 216. Biasing functionality according to claim 210 and whereinsaid rotatable cam has a thickness sufficiently small such that saidrotatable cam provides a sufficiently low biasing force to said shiftingelement so as to minimize shifting of said shifting element. 217.Biasing functionality according to claim 190 and wherein said shiftingelement is loosely mounted within said dispenser.